Factoid
Quarterbacks put up more than 800 passing yards in yesterday's Pro Bowl, which is what happens when there's no blitzing and very little defense of any kind. Those gaudy numbers are also a reminder of the fact that more than ever before, it's a passer's league.
In 2009, 10 quarterbacks threw for at least 4,000 yards, and 17 threw for at least 3,500. Both are records; since the league went to a 16-game season in 1978, it's the only time more than 7 passers have thrown for 4,000 yards, and just the fourth time there have been double-digit 3,500-yard passers (the previous high was 12).
Such productivity ensures top quarterbacks will be taken higher than ever in fantasy drafts next season; there will likely be multiple first-rounders in most drafts. In fact, though, the depth at the position suggests even owners who are among the last ones to draft a quarterback should be able to find at least a 3,500-yard passer next season, if not a 4,000-yarder. The three seasons with the most 4,000-yard passers have come in the last three years, as have three of the top-5 in terms of 3,500-yard passers.
Year 4k QBs 3500-yd QBs
2009 10 17
2008 6 10
2007 7 9
2006 5 8
2005 2 9
2004 5 12
2003 2 8
2002 4 9
2001 2 9
2000 2 9
1999 5 7
1998 2 6
1997 0 6
1996 3 5
1995 4 11
1994 3 7
1993 2 2
1992 1 1
1991 1 4
1990 1 5
1989 2 8
1988 1 4
1987 0 0 (strike year)
1986 2 6
1985 1 8
1984 3 7
1983 2 6
1982 0 0 (strike year)
1981 1 9
1980 2 6
1979 1 8
1978 0 0
--Andy Richardson
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