In a league increasingly defined by relentless pass rushes and complex defensive schemes, two quarterbacks stood above the rest in 2024 by avoiding sacks at a historic rate. Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen and Green Bay Packers signal-caller Jordan Love finished the season tied for the NFL lead in fewest sacks taken, with only 14 each.
What makes this feat extraordinary is not just the raw numbers, but the context. Allen started 16 games, and Love played in 15, meaning both averaged less than one sack per game-a statistical anomaly in today’s NFL. The last time this was accomplished was in 2020, when Ben Roethlisberger was sacked just 13 times in 15 games. Before that, Peyton Manning achieved it in 2009 with a record-low 10 sacks over a 16-game season.
Allen and Love now join an elite group of quarterbacks who have achieved similar sack avoidance numbers in the last 15 years. According to Pro Football Reference, the list includes:
- Manning (2009)
- Roethlisberger (2020)
- Drew Brees (2020, 13 sacks in 12 starts)
Related:
- Super Bowl 2025: date, time, halftime show and everything you need to know
- Where to watch the 2025 Super Bowl? TV channel and streaming where you can watch the game
- Super Bowl 2025 Halftime Show: Everything you need to know about Kendrick Lamar’s show
- Super Bowl Winners List: All the teams that have won the Super Bowl by year
- Gatorade Color Super Bowl: Odds, history and more about the traditional Gatorade bath
The scarcity of such performances underscores the rarity of their achievement in a modern NFL environment where defensive linemen and blitzing linebackers dominate headlines.
A variety of factors contribute to these impressive numbers. Offensive line play is an obvious starting point, and both Allen and Love benefited from units that performed well in pass protection. The Bills’ offensive line ranked in the top five for pass-blocking efficiency, per PFF, while the Packers’ unit, anchored by All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari, allowed the fewest quarterback pressures in the league.
Allen and Love’s sack avoidance: A testament to skill, awareness, and adaptability
But it’s not just about the offensive line. Quarterbacks themselves play a significant role in sack avoidance, and Allen and Love excelled in areas like pocket awareness, quick decision-making, and mobility. Allen’s ability to extend plays with his legs and deliver the ball on the run was a significant factor, while Love’s commitment to getting the ball out quickly helped neutralize opposing pass rushers.
What makes this achievement even more noteworthy is the resurgence of defense across the NFL. Defensive units are stronger than ever, with sack totals climbing league-wide over the past five years. For Allen and Love to maintain such low sack numbers in this environment highlights their exceptional awareness and adaptability.
To further illustrate the rarity of this feat, the average NFL quarterback in 2024 was sacked 35 times. Compare that to Allen and Love’s 14, and the gulf becomes apparent. Even standout quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Bo Nix, who also excelled at limiting sacks, took 23 and 24, respectively.
“It’s not just the offensive line; it’s the whole operation,”Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said. “Jordan’s work in practice, his ability to process defenses quickly, and his calm under pressure have been key to his growth.” Similarly, Bills head coach Sean McDermott praised Allen’s leadership and pocket presence: “He’s a general out there. He knows when to take risks and when to protect himself.”
Whether this trend continues remains to be seen. For now, Josh Allen and Jordan Love have set a new standard for protecting themselves and avoiding costly losses. Their seasons stand as a testament to the importance of preparation, teamwork, and adaptability in an ever-evolving NFL.
Read the full article here
