Why these NFL offenses are so disappointing
Here is our look at four NFL offenses that have disappointed so far this year, and an assessment of what’s wrong with each. Baltimore Ravens (3-4)
They’re two games back in the AFC North, but the Ravens won’t compete much longer if they don’t fix an offense that ranks
31st in yardage (277.6 per game) and 23rd in scoring (18.6 points). Baltimore has lost four of its last five and mustered just three offensive touchdowns in those defeats.
The bulk of the blame has been heaped on quarterback Joe Flacco. He has yet to eclipse 235 passing yards in a game this season, and his eight interceptions are tied for third most. The most damning statistic for Flacco, however, is a 5.3-yards-per-completion average, ranking him last among quarterbacks with at least
100 attempts.
While Flacco has plenty to improve upon, the Ravens played the majority of Sunday’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings without their top three receivers. Mike Wallace was knocked out with a concussion, and Jeremy Maclin and Breshad Perriman were inactive. Injuries have depleted the offensive line as well.
Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg ’s play calling has
compounded the problems. Being aggressive with so many key contributors out is challenging, but Baltimore has become far too conservative and predictable. Carolina Panthers (4-3)
Losers of three of their last five, the Panthers miss injured tight end Greg Olsen and deep threat Ted Ginn Jr., who signed with New Orleans this offseason.
The most pressing issue, though, is on the ground.
Offensive coordinator Mike Shula tried to reinvent Carolina’s scheme to limit the designed runs for quarterback Cam Newton. But Carolina’s running backs are generating just 2.8 yards per carry.
That has shifted the burden back to Newton, who has all three of the Panthers’ rushing touchdowns and is on track to exceed his number of carries from last year. And when Newton presses, that’s when Carolina commits many of its 13 turnovers, which is tied for third most. Detroit Lions (3-3)
The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. Detroit has lost three of four, and a huge game against a stingy Pittsburgh Steelers defense looms Sunday night.
The Lions’ biggest issues come up front, as quarterback Matthew Stafford has been sacked 23 times, including 17 in the last three games. With that pressure, turnovers have mounted. In a Week 6 loss against New Orleans, Stafford threw three interceptions and lost two fumbles. When facing a blitz, Stafford’s completion rate drops to 60.4%, which ranks 26th among quarterbacks.
Dreadful play calling on first down has left Detroit in too many obvious passing situations. On
second down, the Lions have needed an average of 9.1 yards to move the chains. Much of that problem is tied to the ineffective ground game. Of the Lions’ 143 carries, 23 have been for negative yards.
Starting left tackle Taylor Decker (torn shoulder labrum) could return soon and shore up many of Detroit’s protection issues. Oakland Raiders (3-4)
Last Thursday’s 31-30 victory against the Kansas City broke a four-game losing streak, but the Raiders have still underwhelmed.
Oakland averaged 13.3 points per game during its skid. A Week 3 loss to Washington revealed a blueprint for how to reel in the Raiders: generate a pass rush using four defenders and lock up receivers with physical coverage.
That strategy limited the explosive plays that were the cornerstone of last year’s seventhranked scoring offense (26 points per game).
Wide receiver Amari Cooper had been before his 210-yard, two-TD performance last Thursday.
But Oakland moved him around and featured him in the slot, where, according to Pro Football Focus, he was targeted 11 times and caught six passes for 95 yards and a score.
Keeping Cooper heavily involved is integral for the health of the offense, as is getting more out of a rushing attack that has generated just 92.9 yards per game.