NFL fumbles are climbing, and defenses are giving Peanut Tillman’s punch a bigger role

NFL fumbles have surged 28 percent through the first six weeks of the 2024 season, with 235 fumbles recorded compared to the same span last season. The spike has prompted coaches to place greater emphasis on both ball security and strip techniques, including the 'Peanut Punch' popularized by former cornerback Charles 'Peanut' Tillman. Defensive coordinators are increasingly drilling the punch-strip method as a strategic response to the uptick in loose balls.