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NFL Nation, ESPN
Coordinating an offense and calling plays in the NFL is a pressure-filled job.
If your team’s offense is clicking on all cylinders like Ben Johnson’s Detroit Lions and Kellen Moore’s Philadelphia Eagles, or if you’ve received unexpectedly good results from your quarterback, like the Minnesota Vikings‘ Kevin O’Connell has with Sam Darnold, you can look like a genius.
On the other hand, if your quarterback and offense are underperforming, you could lose your job. Just ask Shane Waldron, who was recently replaced by Thomas Brown after a disappointing start to quarterback Caleb Williams‘ career with the Chicago Bears.
There are seven weeks left this season, and the pressure will continue to build for coordinators and playcallers looking for a winning formula, while others might get a look at offseason head-coaching openings.
With that in mind, here’s what has gone right, what has gone wrong and the key to the second half for every offense in the NFL.
Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
Offensive coordinator: Joe Brady
Playcaller: Brady
What has gone right? A lot has gone right for the Bills’ offense, and it starts with quarterback Josh Allen. Though Allen’s stats haven’t been the flashiest, he has put together a number of strong performances with a combination of playmakers. The offensive line has had a strong start, giving up sacks on only 3.8% of dropbacks, the lowest rate in the league.
What has gone wrong? Consistency. There have been real up-and-down moments for this offense. Sometimes, the Bills get in a rhythm early in games, while other times it takes fourth-quarter drives to look as if they are all on the same page. This is an area that has shown improvement as the season has progressed.
Key to second half: Right now, it’s getting healthy. There was only a small sample of the Bills’ full offensive potential with wide receiver Amari Cooper in the mix, but as he returns to the lineup, and when tight end Dalton Kincaid and wide receiver Keon Coleman also come back, the Bills will be able to put more of that together. Their availability will be key down the stretch. — Alaina Getzenberg
Offensive coordinator: Frank Smith
Playcaller: Head coach Mike McDaniel
What has gone right? For the second consecutive season, the Dolphins have committed to the run game. After finishing with the sixth-most rushing yards in the league last season, Miami is averaging the 11th-most rushing yards per game and ran for at least 149 yards in four straight games from Week 5 to Week 9.
What has gone wrong? Miami has committed to the run game, in part because its passing game was nonexistent during the month quarterback Tua Tagovailoa spent on injured reserve. With a trio of career backup quarterbacks attempting to keep the season afloat, the Dolphins averaged a paltry 10 points per game from Week 2 through Week 7 — worst in the NFL.
Key to second half: Run the ball efficiently. Miami hasn’t necessarily done so this season, averaging 4.2 yards per carry (21st). But an effective run game will open passing lanes for an offense that still features two of the NFL’s best big-play threats in receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Eventually, things will return to the mean. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Offensive coordinator: Alex Van Pelt
Playcaller: Van Pelt
What has gone right? Rookie quarterback Drake Maye‘s development has stood out. As coach Jerod Mayo said on Nov. 13, “There’s no one in this organization that deserves more credit as far as what Drake has been able to do on the football field than Alex Van Pelt.” Mayo said the key for him in hiring an offensive coordinator was “someone level-headed, who believes in working together. That’s Alex, and I appreciate that.”
What has gone wrong? Van Pelt hasn’t been dealt the easiest hand personnel-wise, with seven offensive line configurations in the first seven games — a result of poor performance and missed personnel evaluations on free agent signings Chukwuma Okorafor and Nick Leverett. The receivers also don’t strike fear into opposing defenses. They struggled to score early in the season with veteran QB Jacoby Brissett taking lumps until they turned things over to Maye.
Key to second half: Maye’s continued development, which ideally would include cutting down on turnovers (eight interceptions since becoming the starter in Week 6). Continuity and improved performance along the offensive line would aid in that goal, as the running game behind Rhamondre Stevenson sets up play-action passing opportunities on which Maye has shown the knack for capitalizing. — Mike Reiss
Offensive coordinator: Nathaniel Hackett
Playcaller: Todd Downing
What has gone right? Hackett still has the title, but it’s Downing’s show. The Jets made the change in Week 6, handing the playcalling duties to Downing. Under him, they’re moving the ball slightly better than they did under Hackett. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson is the biggest beneficiary, as his production has spiked in recent weeks.
What has gone wrong? They’re terrible at situational football, as their third-down and red zone rates have plummeted under Downing. They should be producing more in those situations, considering the amount of skill-position talent they have.
Key to second half: Priority No. 1 is getting Aaron Rodgers back to being himself. They can do that by staying patient with the rushing attack, which will open up play-action opportunities. Downing tends to get pass-happy, even when defenses play a split-safety look. He needs to lean on running back Breece Hall, whose talent isn’t being properly utilized. — Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
2:28
Stephen A. not having any of Shannon’s Steelers take
Stephen A. Smith disagrees with Shannon Sharpe, who says the Steelers are the best team in the AFC instead of the Buffalo Bills.
Offensive coordinator: Todd Monken
Playcaller: Monken
What has gone right? Monken has Baltimore clicking in all phases. Lamar Jackson is a favorite to win his third NFL Most Valuable Player award, Derrick Henry is leading the NFL in rushing and the offense is topping the league in total yards per game (430.1). The Ravens have been so explosive that they’re averaging 7.09 yards per play — the second most through 10 games of a season in NFL history behind the 2000 Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” at 7.31.
What has gone wrong? The Ravens acknowledge only they can stop this high-powered offense. Baltimore has committed 48 offensive penalties, tied for second most in the NFL. The biggest issue is the league-worst 24 offensive holding penalties. Baltimore can be even more efficient if it limits the third-and-long situations.
Key to second half: Carry the momentum into the playoffs. Since Jackson took over as Baltimore’s starting QB midway through the 2018 season, the Ravens have averaged 27.0 points in the regular season. But, with Jackson in the postseason, Baltimore’s scoring has plummeted to 16 points per game. The Ravens know they will go only as far as Jackson carries them. — Jamison Hensley
Offensive coordinator: Dan Pitcher
Playcaller: Head coach Zac Taylor
What has gone right? Over the years, Taylor has taken heat from the fan base for his playcalling. But this season, the offense has been the best during his six-year tenure. Cincinnati ranks fourth in touchdowns per drive and has the sixth-best scoring offense in the NFL, per ESPN Research.
What has gone wrong? Despite a change in running backs, the ground game has sputtered, especially in rush-friendly defensive looks. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Cincinnati is 28th in success rate against light boxes. The numbers also suggest there isn’t much room to operate. The Bengals are 26th in yards before first contact per rush.
Key to second half: Finding the right run/pass balance that keeps the offense on the field for longer in the fourth quarter. The Bengals currently have the third-lowest time of possession per drive in the final 15 minutes. Cincinnati runs more designed rush plays in the fourth quarter than in other quarters but has managed 3.6 yards per carry. — Ben Baby
Offensive coordinator: Ken Dorsey
Playcaller: Dorsey
What has gone right? Coach Kevin Stefanski turned playcalling duties over to Dorsey in Week 8. Paired with new starting quarterback Jameis Winston, the passing game has been a bit more explosive. Cleveland’s offense has eclipsed 200 passing yards in each of Winston’s three starts, a mark injured starter Deshaun Watson didn’t reach.
What has gone wrong? The Browns are healthier along the offensive line and have Nick Chubb back from a severe left knee injury, but the running game has yet to take off. Cleveland is averaging 3.3 yards per carry since Dorsey took over in Week 8.
Key to second half: Limiting penalties. Before making the change, the Browns were the most penalized offense in the NFL, and pre-snap penalties were especially detrimental. Those infractions have declined in the past two games, and it’s the key for Cleveland to stay ahead of the sticks. — Daniel Oyefusi
Offensive coordinator: Arthur Smith
Playcaller: Smith
What has gone right? Led by running back Najee Harris‘ three consecutive 100-yard games, Smith’s offense has found success on the ground. Pittsburgh has a top-10 rushing offense, averaging 136.7 rushing yards per game in 2024. And thanks in part to Russell Wilson‘s willingness to throw the deep ball, the Steelers’ ground game opened up even more with an average of 144.5 rushing yards per game over the past four weeks. The Steelers have also improved from 17.8 PPG last season to 27.25 PPG with Wilson starting.
What has gone wrong? For all of the improvements in scoring, rushing and passing from the Matt Canada regime to Smith’s scheme, the Steelers’ glaring weakness is their red zone offense. They rank 30th in red zone scoring percentage, scoring touchdowns on only 44.4% of their trips this season. In the past three weeks that rate is down to 25%. Twice this season, including Sunday against the Ravens, they won games without scoring a touchdown.
Key to second half: Consistency. Though Wilson’s three-week sample size suggests the Steelers are able to more effectively move the ball and score points, they need to keep that up through the gauntlet of AFC North play and improve their red zone efficiency. The Steelers have scored touchdowns on only half of their red zone trips this season — and on half of such trips with Wilson. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
2:14
Is Anthony Richardson a top-10 fantasy QB?
Liz Loza, Stephania Bell and Field Yates discuss if Anthony Richardson can still be a valuable fantasy QB option for the rest of the season.
Offensive coordinator: Bobby Slowik
Playcaller: Slowik
What has gone right? The run game has been effective, as running back Joe Mixon ranks third in rushing yards per game (98.3). That has allowed quarterback C.J. Stroud to be effective in the play-action game, as he ranks ninth in passing yards off play-action (748).
What has gone wrong? The Texans’ second-half offense is averaging 8.2 points. The most shocking stat is the Texans have scored only two second half touchdowns since Week 5.
Key to second half: The Texans’ pass protection must improve. Stroud had been sacked the second most in the NFL (35). It’s not all on the offensive line, as pass catchers have to do a better job getting open, but it does start up front. — DJ Bien-Aime
Offensive coordinator: Jim Bob Cooter
Playcaller: Head coach Shane Steichen
What has gone right? The Colts are among the top teams in the league in generating explosive plays. Using the metric of 12-yard runs and 16-yard completions, the Colts rank third in the NFL in this area. Indianapolis is also fifth in explosive-play percentage (13.4). Most of this is attributable to quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor, both of whom have been in and out of the lineup.
What has gone wrong? The Colts are among the worst teams in the league in terms of protecting the football. The Colts have 18 turnovers, tied for second most in the league. The giveaways have had a direct impact on time of possession, leaving the Indianapolis defense on the field too long. The Colts have the league’s second-worst opponent time of possession number (33:19).
Key to second half: Improving overall efficiency is the goal. The Colts remain too boom or bust on offense, and they need to perform better to play a more complementary style with their defense. The Colts ranked 21st in offensive expected points added and will need to improve that number to make a late-season run. — Stephen Holder
Offensive coordinator: Press Taylor
Playcaller: Taylor
What has gone right? The offense has been able to put together drives later in games, leaving them in position to win (Indianapolis, Green Bay, Philadelphia) behind quarterback Trevor Lawrence, though they haven’t always pulled it off. The emergence of rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has brought an explosive downfield element to the offense, and second-year back Tank Bigsby has become a good complement to Travis Etienne Jr.
What has gone wrong? Slow starts have been a problem (they’ve scored 30 points in the first quarter, which ranks 26th in the NFL) and as a result they’ve had to play catch-up. They’re one of the worst third-down teams in the NFL (31.9%, 30th), especially on third-and-3 or less, where they’ve converted a league-worst 37.5% of those plays into first downs.
Key to second half: Getting Lawrence (shoulder) back on the field — hopefully after the Week 12 bye — will help, but it’s uncertain when he could return. Getting the running game going again is imperative. The Jaguars averaged 62 yards per game since Week 8, fewer than every team except the Raiders (51). — Michael DiRocco
Offensive coordinator: Nick Holz
Playcaller: Head coach Brian Callahan
What has gone right? Tennessee’s rushing attack is averaging 117 yards. Tony Pollard has become the team’s best weapon on offense and is on pace to surpass 1,000 rushing yards. Rookie left tackle JC Latham and right guard Dillon Radunz have combined on a pin-and-pull scheme that sprang Pollard on two of his four runs of 20-plus yards.
What has gone wrong? Callahan’s offense was supposed to bolster the passing game with second-year quarterback Will Levis leading the way. Levis had early struggles with turnovers before his injury knocked him out for three games. The 29th-ranked passing attack is averaging 178.4 yards. Right tackle has been a disaster, resulting in drive-killing penalties and quarterback pressures.
Key to second half: Callahan has remained committed to Levis as the starter. The staff has to find ways to get him to limit turnovers while still taking opportunities for big plays when they present themselves. It’s a tough balance, considering the pressure Levis faces from opposing defenses. But this season has always been about getting a true evaluation of Levis. Tennessee has seven more games to figure it out. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
1:22
Is Bo Nix the best rookie QB for fantasy the rest of the season?
Liz Loza, Field Yates and Stephania Bell discuss how Bo Nix has grown as a fantasy QB and where he stands among rookies.
Offensive coordinator: Joe Lombardi
Playcaller: Head coach Sean Payton
What has gone right? Payton has steadily found more ways to make life a little easier and more productive for rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Former Payton players say he has scaled back the playbook to give Nix a more focused menu. He has kept Nix in the shotgun much of the time and used an up-tempo approach to calm down some of the pressure looks that defenses throw at the rookie.
What has gone wrong? The Broncos have lacked consistency passing the ball, showing a decided lack of downfield pop — they have nine pass plays of 31 or more yards this season. Defenses are crowding the line of scrimmage, and the Broncos haven’t been able to reduce that through chunk plays.
Key to second half: Keeping Nix in his current zone as much as possible. He followed up his calm-in-big-moments performance in the loss to Kansas City (22-of-30, 215 yards, 2 TDs) with his 307-yard, four-touchdown career day in the Broncos’ blowout win over the Falcons. He has thrown only two interceptions in his past nine games. and now his increasing comfort level continues to show as the Broncos try to stay in the playoff race. — Jeff Legwold
Offensive coordinator: Matt Nagy
Playcaller: Head coach Andy Reid
What has gone right? The Chiefs have been very good at situational football. They lead the league in third-down conversion rate at 52%. Their red zone production picked up after a slow start, and they are 11th in the league at scoring touchdowns when inside the opponents’ 20-yard line at 58%.
What has gone wrong? The Chiefs’ plans for a big-play passing attack haven’t materialized. They are 22nd in pass plays of at least 20 yards with 26. They haven’t attempted many deep shots, ranking 31st in pass attempts of 20 or more yards downfield with 23.
Key to second half: Though they’ve been able to piece together scoring drives with short gains, it doesn’t feel sustainable. Getting more big pass plays would help. Development from Xavier Worthy and the return of JuJu Smith-Schuster from injury and possibly Hollywood Brown would make this a reasonable goal. — Adam Teicher
Offensive coordinator: Interim OC Scott Turner
Playcaller: Turner
What has gone right? Very little, or did you miss OC Luke Getsy, O-line coach James Cregg and QB coach Rich Scangarello being served their walking papers entering the bye week? One bright spot: Rookie tight end Brock Bowers has shined. Entering the Week 11 bye, he was leading the NFL in catches (57) and all tight ends in receiving yards (580).
What has gone wrong? The running game has been virtually nonexistent. Las Vegas’ 75.2 average rushing yards per game is the worst in the NFL. But has it been design or desire? Through nine games, and because of injuries and ineffectiveness, the Raiders had five different starting O-line combinations, which has killed continuity.
Key to second half: Adapting to Turner’s playcalling (with an assist from his father Norv, who joined the staff at Scott’s request). The elder Turner called plays in the NFL from 1991 to 2019, sans a one-year break. The key, though, is limiting quarterback Gardner Minshew‘s turnovers. With eight interceptions and four lost fumbles, his 12 turnovers are second most in the league. — Paul Gutierrez
Offensive coordinator: Greg Roman
Playcaller: Roman
What has gone right? Roman has been criticized throughout his career for less-than-creative passing schemes, and a big concern when he was hired was how that would hinder the Chargers. But the Chargers have been one of the NFL’s best passing offenses in recent weeks. They are fifth in the NFL in passing yards since Week 7 with 256.4.
What has gone wrong? The Chargers are struggling to get first downs. They have the highest rate of punting after three downs in the NFL (30%). Roman said “everyone is aware” of the issue and they are working hard to fix it. He also credited the three-and-outs to penalties and negative plays.
Key to second half: Build a more consistent rushing offense. The Chargers are undefeated this season in games in which they have rushed for at least 90 yards, but the rushing offense has struggled in its three losses with an average of 58.3 yards. The Chargers are 20th in yards per attempt (4.2). — Kris Rhim
NFC EAST
2:07
Stephen A.: Daniel Jones got paid, then his game went south
Stephen A. Smith explains why he holds Daniel Jones accountable for his performance after receiving a big contract from the Giants.
Offensive coordinator: Brian Schottenheimer
Playcaller: Head coach Mike McCarthy
What has gone right? Nothing. Few players have met or exceeded preseason expectations. Maybe left guard Tyler Smith and receiver Jalen Tolbert, who has outpaced the production of last season’s No. 3 receiver, Michael Gallup. Dak Prescott had nearly as many interceptions in eight games (eight) as he had all of last season (nine) before his season-ending hamstring injury. The high-scoring offense from last season is now mired toward the bottom of the league.
What has gone wrong? Everything. Even before Prescott’s injury, the Cowboys struggled to run the ball, generate big plays and produce touchdowns in the red zone. Some of it is the skill players. Some of it is the line play. The Cowboys have not been able to find any consistency to carry them through a game’s most important times
Key to second half: The Cowboys have to find stability in their offensive line. First-round pick Tyler Guyton has to develop his potential and ascend at left tackle. Same for third-round guard Cooper Beebe. Right tackle Terence Steele has to find the form that made the Cowboys give him a contract extension worth $16.5 million or risk being a cap casualty in 2025. Smith has continued to play at a high level, but this could be the final season for right guard Zack Martin. It will be better to go into 2025 with one, rather than multiple, questions. — Todd Archer
Offensive coordinator: Mike Kafka
Playcaller: Head coach Brian Daboll
What has gone right? The Giants with Daboll calling the plays have been able to move the ball a little. At least they’re not dead last in yards per game. The running game has also improved dramatically, averaging 163 yards on the ground in their past three games.
What has gone wrong? Oh, just about everything else. Daboll taking over playcalling hasn’t done anything to create more points. In fact, the Giants are averaging the exact same number of points (15.6 PPG) as last season — only this time it’s the worst in the league. They can’t hit big plays, score points, and quarterback Daniel Jones, benched on Monday, has been a disaster.
Key to second half: The Giants have to find a way to get better quarterback play. Jones has been replaced by Tommy DeVito. Frustration has been boiling over in recent weeks, so Daboll will have to find the right combination to keep everyone content. — Jordan Raanan
Offensive coordinator: Kellen Moore
Playcaller: Moore
What has gone right? The Eagles shifted to more of a ground-based approach after their Week 5 bye and have averaged a touch shy of 30 points per game since. Saquon Barkley entered Week 11 ranked second in rushing yards (991), behind the Ravens’ Derrick Henry. Add in Jalen Hurts‘ own rushing skills and his penchant for connecting on the deep ball, and you have a dynamic offense that is among the best in the league.
What has gone wrong? There were some growing pains early as Hurts & Co. adapted to Moore’s scheme. Hurts turned the ball over seven times in the first four games (the team went 2-2) but has been more efficient overall in the weeks since. As effective as the deep ball has been, it also leaves Hurts and the Eagles susceptible to negative plays.
Key to second half: Leaning on Barkley and Philadelphia’s top-end offensive line has been the key. The Eagles need to find the sweet spot between featuring Barkley and not burning out the seventh-year back. They’re going to need him for the postseason. — Tim McManus
Offensive coordinator: Kliff Kingsbury
Playcaller: Kingsbury
What has gone right? Washington entered Week 11 ranked third in points scored and fourth in yards per game. The organization has not finished in the top 10 in both categories since 2012, and its best finish in either category in the past five years was 23rd in points. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is the leading Rookie of the Year contender.
What has gone wrong? Washington’s offense hasn’t been as productive the past four weeks, since Daniels injured his ribs. Playing better defenses has been a factor, but the Commanders are 14th in scoring and 18th in yards during that stretch. In the first seven games, Daniels ranked third in QBR and first in completion percentage. In the past four, it’s 13th and 28th, respectively.
Key to second half: Getting Daniels going again. He adds the explosive element, whether with his downfield passes or his runs that extend drives. The run game needs Brian Robinson Jr. on the field to be effective (he has sat out three games). A big help: In the final six games, five come against defenses ranked 20th or worse in scoring allowed. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
0:51
Can David Montgomery maintain his fantasy production?
Daniel Dopp examines Lions RB David Montgomery’s big performance in Week 11 and explains why he’ll continue to produce for fantasy managers.
Offensive coordinator: Thomas Brown
Playcaller: Brown
What has gone right? The Bears’ offense was making strides in Weeks 4-6 with three straight wins over the Rams, Panthers and Jaguars. Running back D’Andre Swift was averaging 134.6 yards from scrimmage and quarterback Caleb Williams was able to ignite wide receivers DJ Moore (2 TDs vs. Carolina) and Keenan Allen along with Cole Kmet (2 TDs each against Jacksonville). The No. 1 pick shook off a 1-2 start to post an NFL-best 88 QBR in Weeks 5-6.
What has gone wrong? A lot, thus the Bears’ decision to fire offensive coordinator Shane Waldron after nine games and replace him with Brown. Chicago ranks last in points per game (9.0), yards per play (3.7), third-down conversion rate (15%) and touchdowns (0) since Week 8. The Bears have the second-most negative plays this season (73) and are seeing Williams regress during three straight losses (21 QBR, which ranks 32nd from Weeks 7-10).
Key to second half: Coach Matt Eberflus says he wants to see more “creativity” from an offense that has been one of the least efficient in the NFL. Protecting Williams, who has been sacked an NFL-high 38 times through 10 weeks, is Brown’s top priority moving forward. Brown also needs to find ways to put Williams in position to fix his issues connecting with receivers. His 13% off-target percentage and 79% completion percentage throwing to open targets this season both rank last. — Courtney Cronin
Offensive coordinator: Ben Johnson
Playcaller: Johnson
What has gone right? The Lions have the No. 1 scoring offense in the NFL, averaging 33.6 points. Johnson has proved to be one of the most creative minds in the league, utilizing all of Detroit’s skill players, for a team that has gotten off to one of the best starts in franchise history.
What has gone wrong? During Detroit’s lone loss in Week 2 against Tampa Bay, the offense scored one touchdown in seven red zone trips. The six red zone drives without a touchdown were the most by a Lions team in a game since 1981, per ESPN Research. Outside of that game, not much has gone wrong.
Key to second half: Just continuing to build on what has been working. There is no doubt in Johnson’s mind that he could be a head coach, but he loves what they’ve built in Detroit. The Lions’ run game is strong, veteran quarterback Jared Goff has revived his career under Johnson’s direction, and Detroit has a serious shot to win a Super Bowl with this high-powered offense. — Eric Woodyard
Offensive coordinator: Adam Stenavich
Playcaller: Head coach Matt LaFleur
What has gone right? LaFleur has stuck to his M.O. of building the offense around the run. The Packers have the eighth-most rushing attempts in the league. Of course, it’s easier to stick with the run when you have a durable running back such as Josh Jacobs and you’re averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
What has gone wrong? Not that it’s necessarily LaFleur’s fault, but he needs to find a way to put quarterback Jordan Love in a position where he’s not forcing throws on early downs that result in interceptions. Of Love’s 11 interceptions, seven of them have been on first or second down.
Key to second half: LaFleur needs to find something that works in the red zone because the Packers rank 27th in touchdown percentage when inside the 20 at 48.7% — and that’s after converting on three of five trips in the red zone in Sunday’s win over the Bears. — Rob Demovsky
Offensive coordinator: Wes Phillips
Playcaller: Head coach Kevin O’Connell
What has gone right? The team has produced its best running game since O’Connell arrived in 2022, in part because of new running back Aaron Jones, but also because O’Connell has committed to calling more run plays. The Vikings have used a designed run on 42.7% of their offensive plays this season, as compared to 33.1% in 2023 and 34.1% in 2022.
What has gone wrong? The Vikings have an effective scheme, but it’s not simple, and it has required some adjustments over the course of the season. They have had more of their share of self-inflicted negative plays. Their 17 turnovers and 30 pre-snap penalties are both tied for the fifth most in the NFL
Key to second half: The Vikings are working to level off quarterback Sam Darnold‘s play after he committed six turnovers combined in Weeks 9 and 10. He was credited with one lost fumble in Week 11, giving him an NFL-high 14 turnovers this season. Darnold’s strong arm gives them a great opportunity to be aggressive downfield with receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but only if he can minimize the mistakes. — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
0:25
Taysom Hill goes 75 yards for his 3rd TD of the game
Taysom Hill races past the Browns defense for a 75-yard touchdown to ice the game for the Saints.
Offensive coordinator: Zac Robinson
Playcaller: Robinson
What has gone right? The Falcons can move the ball. They’re fourth in total offense (3,977 yards), and running back Bijan Robinson and wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney are having career years. After a shaky Week 1, quarterback Kirk Cousins has settled in and has the third-most passing yards in the NFL (2,807).
What has gone wrong? Despite putting up yards, Atlanta hasn’t been all that efficient turning those into touchdowns. The Falcons are 14th in the league in points per game (22.2) and Cousins’ QBR is 13th in the league (56.4). They have eight touchdowns on the ground, sixth fewest in the league.
Key to second half: Get off to quicker starts. The Falcons have been a good second-half team. Cousins has led comebacks against the Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints while trailing in the final minute. But in Atlanta’s most recent game against New Orleans, it had 26 yards in the first quarter. — Marc Raimondi
Offensive coordinator: Brad Idzik
Playcaller: Head coach Dave Canales
What has gone right? Bryce Young is showing enough confidence and ability for Canales to take more shots down the field. Young is 16 of 36 on throws of 10-plus yards the past three games, compared to 6 of 17 in his first two. He showed frustration a couple of weeks ago against the Saints with how conservative the calls were.
What has gone wrong? Young was dreadful during an 0-2 start that forced Canales to turn to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. The offense was more explosive with Dalton taking more shots downfield, but the results were largely the same as Carolina went 1-4 before a thumb injury in a minor car crash sidelined him and reinstated Young.
Key to second half: Consistent play by Young — or Dalton. Canales still wasn’t willing to commit to Young starting after the bye against the Chiefs, but he did say Young made a “statement” in the win against the Giants. The line is playing well. Chuba Hubbard is third in the NFL in rushing. It comes down to QB play. — David Newton
Offensive coordinator: Klint Kubiak
Playcaller: Kubiak
What has gone right? The first two weeks. The Saints looked like one of the hottest teams in the league, scoring 45.5 points per game and blowing out their first two opponents. New Orleans incorporated motion and play-action, utilized the speed of receiver Rashid Shaheed and looked almost unstoppable in Kubiak’s debut.
What has gone wrong? Everything afterward. The Saints had fewer than 100 net rushing yards in four of five losses from Weeks 3 to 7, hindering their ability to run play-action. They didn’t have Derek Carr for three games and lost their top two receivers. The offense struggled badly as a result, and head coach Dennis Allen was fired after a seven-game losing streak.
Key to second half: Staying healthy. The Saints aren’t getting Shaheed back from a knee injury and Chris Olave‘s return is uncertain because of multiple concussions this season, but they’ll get center Erik McCoy back, and his injury kicked off their losing streak. New Orleans needs to run the ball well and hope to avoid injuries in the second half. — Katherine Terrell
Offensive coordinator: Liam Coen
Playcaller: Coen
What has gone right? The Bucs are averaging 27.0 offensive points (fifth most in the NFL) and quarterback Baker Mayfield is third with 24 touchdowns. Their rushing game has improved dramatically, averaging 125.3 yards — 11th in the league — after averaging 88.8 yards on the ground, last in the league last season.
What has gone wrong? Injuries. The Bucs lost 50% of their scoring offense when wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin went down because of injuries, with Godwin out for the season. Mayfield is still performing at a high level but not having the threat of a downfield passing attack has hurt their chances.
Key to second half: Get the ball into the hands of the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, Evans, who expects to return in Week 12 after sitting out four games because of a hamstring injury. The Bucs are 3-9 all time without Evans, and he can play a big role in lifting them out of their four-game losing streak. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
0:56
Why Karabell is wary of Matthew Stafford’s fantasy value in the coming weeks
Eric Karabell explains why fantasy managers should lower their expectations in Matthew Stafford with the Rams’ tough upcoming schedule.
Offensive coordinator: Drew Petzing
Playcaller: Petzing
What has gone right? Lately? Everything. Petzing has found a good rhythm during the Cardinals’ four-game winning streak, and in their five wins in the past six games. He has orchestrated the Cardinals’ offense to wins in different ways and allowed Kyler Murray to do, well, everything.
What has gone wrong? It’s really been a tale of two seasons for Petzing. Arizona’s offense was inconsistent in the first half. There are still times when the playcall doesn’t match the situation, but with Murray given so many options at the line of scrimmage, that might not fall all on Petzing.
Key to second half: If Petzing can continue doing what he’s done — adjusting his playcalling to the flow of the game — Arizona will be in good shape. He’ll need to continue to rely on James Conner to set the tone on the ground and then allow Murray to throw to all of his weapons and even make a few plays with his feet. If all that happens in the second half, then Arizona will be playing into January. — Josh Weinfuss
Offensive coordinator: Mike LaFleur
Playcaller: Head coach Sean McVay
What has gone right? The run game, led by Kyren Williams. As the passing game struggled early in the season, the Rams’ offense leaned on the third-year running back, especially to get into the end zone. In 10 games this season, Williams has eight rushing and two receiving touchdowns.
What has gone wrong? For much of the season, the Rams have been inconsistent in the red zone. After going 0-for-3 in the red zone in Week 10, McVay said the struggles came down to “execution.” They looked like a different team in Week 11 against the Patriots, going 3-for-4 in the red zone.
Key to second half: Finding a way to be consistent. That’s easier said than done, but McVay said the unit has been “inconsistent.” Rams left guard Steve Avila said McVay’s message to the players was that they can’t keep making the same mistakes. “He just doesn’t want to sound like a broken record,” Avila said. — Sarah Barshop
Offensive coordinator: None
Playcaller: Head coach Kyle Shanahan
What has gone right? Despite a rash of injuries, the offense continues to move the ball as well as any in the league. The 49ers again rank near the top of the NFL in most major offensive categories, including yards per play (second), yards per game (second), offensive efficiency (10th), offensive EPA (seventh) and time of possession (second).
What has gone wrong? Aside from the injuries (and partially because of them), the offense has struggled to do the thing that matters most: score touchdowns. The 49ers are 26th in the NFL in red zone touchdown efficiency (48.8%) and have scored 23 total touchdowns (tied for 17th) despite averaging the second most yards in the NFL.
Key to second half: Getting running back Christian McCaffrey back to full speed. McCaffrey’s return was promising in that it opened up more opportunities for the other skill position players and he managed 107 scrimmage yards, but it didn’t result in improvement in the red zone. If he can become the consistent touchdown producer he was in 2023, it would solve the 49ers’ biggest offensive issue.— Nick Wagoner
Offensive coordinator: Ryan Grubb
Playcaller: Grubb
What has gone right? Grubb’s scheme, with its heavy emphasis on no-huddle and pre-snap shifts, has shown that it can be tough to defend through the air. With Grubb leaning heavily on Geno Smith and the passing game, Seattle is one of the better teams in yards per dropback despite an overmatched offensive line.
What has gone wrong? The Seahawks haven’t run the ball nearly as much as coach Mike Macdonald wants. They’re one of the worst in designed rush percentage, which might be due to Grubb’s pass-first inclination and the fact the Seahawks are regularly behind the chains. Their average distance needed to convert a first down is a whopping 8.9 yards on both second and third down, highest in the NFL.
Key to second half: Abraham Lucas‘ return at right tackle could be a significant boost for an offensive line that is one of the worst in pass block win rate and has struggled to create movement in the run game. The Seahawks also need to stop shooting themselves in the foot with offensive penalties. They’ve committed 53, most in the NFL, even though they’ve had their bye. — Brady Henderson
Source: www.espn.com