The Baltimore Ravens have been renowned for their exceptional rushing performance during the Lamar Jackson era, setting historic records. In 2019, they established the NFL record for most rushing yards in a season with 3,296, with Jackson contributing significantly. Then, in 2024, they set another record for yards per carry with an impressive 5.8, thanks to the efforts of Jackson and newcomer Derrick Henry.
Ravens’ Rushing Records Overshadowed by AAFC Integration
However, these records have been short-lived. On Tuesday, NFL owners approved a proposal to integrate statistics from the All-American Football Conference (AAFC) into the league’s record book. This decision impacts the Ravens significantly, as they have lost both of their aforementioned records to the 1948 San Francisco 49ers.
The 1948 49ers now hold the record for most rushing yards in a season with 3,663, surpassing the Ravens’ 2019 mark. Additionally, the 49ers’ average of 6.1 yards per carry in 1948 tops the Ravens’ 2024 average of 5.8. Other notable changes include Marion Motley moving to fourth on the list of highest career rushing average with 5.7 yards per carry, behind Michael Vick, Randall Cunningham, and Lamar Jackson.
The 1948 49ers were a formidable team, achieving a 12-2 record and outscoring opponents by 247 points. However, they were denied a postseason spot by the undefeated Cleveland Browns, who went on to win the AAFC Championship. While it is commendable that the AAFC is receiving recognition, it comes at the expense of the Ravens’ impressive achievements.
2. Conclusion
In general, the NFL’s decision to integrate All-American Football Conference (AAFC) statistics into its official records has significantly impacted the Baltimore Ravens, stripping them of two historic rushing records. The 1948 San Francisco 49ers now hold the records for most rushing yards in a season and highest average yards per carry, eclipsing the Ravens’ achievements from 2019 and 2024. While this change honors the legacy of the AAFC, it also underscores the evolving nature of NFL history and the challenges of comparing achievements across different eras.
