NFL quarterbacks are under more pressure than ever from rushers. Why?
Summary
NFL quarterbacks have been hit on 15.1% of their dropbacks through nine weeks of the 2026 season, the highest rate since official tracking began in 2006. Several measures also show unusually high defensive pressure, while offensive-line pass-blocking measures have changed little and increased blitzing explains only part of the rise.Key Facts
- The Ravens are preparing to start Jacoby Brissett, their fourth quarterback this season, against the Chargers on Monday.
- Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley and Joe Fagnano were injured after taking hits in games.
- The Ravens are nearing the single-season record of five starting quarterbacks, set by the 1984 Bears and 2023 Browns, excluding the 1987 strike season.
- Through nine weeks, 47 quarterbacks had started games in 2026; only 2007, 2010 and 2019 had higher totals over the past 20 years.
- Pro Football Focus measured the 2026 quarterback pressure rate at 36.1%, its highest figure since its dataset began in 2006.
- Sports Info Solutions ranked this season's pressure rate second-highest in its dataset, which dates to 2016.
- Pass-block win-rate measures from PFF and ESPN have changed little over time, according to the account.
- The median NFL team blitzed more often than usual in 2026, but median blitz rates were higher in several earlier seasons, and pressure on blitzes accounted for only part of the increase.
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