| Total Yards Given by Top 5 Defenses | |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 22887 |
| 2003 | 21609 |
| 2004 | 21654 |
| 2005 | 22568 |
| 2006 | 22651 |
| 2007 | 22469 |
| 2008 | 21654 |
| 2009 | 23103 |
| 2010 | 23283 |
| 2011 | 23465 |
| 2012 | 23724 |
Sources:
espn.go.com
Share:
| Total Yards Given by Top 5 Defenses | |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 22887 |
| 2003 | 21609 |
| 2004 | 21654 |
| 2005 | 22568 |
| 2006 | 22651 |
| 2007 | 22469 |
| 2008 | 21654 |
| 2009 | 23103 |
| 2010 | 23283 |
| 2011 | 23465 |
| 2012 | 23724 |
After a strong showing in the 2008 regular season, NFL defenses gave up record numbers of yards in the four subsequent seasons. Large fines and strict enforcement for hits on defenseless receivers and for helmet-to-helmet hits could be the cause of this offensive surge.