Tag: offense

Chiefs TE Noah Gray discusses the team’s poise on the winning drive: ‘A lot of confidence in each other’

Kansas City #Chiefs TE Noah Gray discusses the team’s poise on the winning drive: ‘A lot of confidence in each other’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray spoke with reporters on Sunday after the victory over the Carolina Panthers. He explained the team’s uncanny ability not to get rattled after almost blowing a two-score lead in the fourth quarter.

“It goes back to the guys and trusting the guys on the team,” said Gray. “This is a great group of guys and I am fortunate enough to practice with them all week. The preparation that goes into it, from the coaches all the way down to the players, just super fortunate to play alongside those guys.”

Gray had another standout game, leading the team with two touchdown receptions, but he understood the formula for a comeback after the Panthers tied the game in regulation.

“We trust every single one of those guys in that locker room. We always have a lot of confidence in each other, and fortunately Spence made a phenomenal kick down the stretch,” said Gray. “You know, he’s only been here for a week and a half. But shout out to Spence, man; I mean, that guy just came to work and just kept his head down. He’s a humble dude, and he made a great kick to get the win for us.”

Sunday marks the first time the Chiefs had a pass catcher record at least two touchdown receptions in back-to-back games since WR Tyreek Hill accomplished the feat vs. the New York Jets and the Carolina Panthers during the 2020 season. Gray finished his record-setting day by tying single-game career highs for catches (four) and receiving yards (66) to go with the two touchdowns en route to Kansas City’s 30-27 victory.

Kliff Kingsbury offers hilariously sarcastic way for Commanders to avoid 2nd-half slump

Kliff Kingsbury’s got jokes.

For the first half of this season, the Washington Commanders were breaking offensive records. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels looked like the next NFL superstar but over the last few weeks, the offense hasn’t been as dominant.

There are reasons. Daniels suffered a rib injury in the Week 7 win over Carolina, missed some critical practice time, and has been less sharp in recent weeks. The Commanders have also played a more difficult schedule, facing two of the NFL’s top defenses in the past two games.

Others believe Washington’s recent offensive slowdown is due to teams figuring out offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. In his history at Texas Tech and with the Arizona Cardinals, some of Kingsbury’s teams haven’t been as effective in the second half of seasons.

Context is required, though. Kingsbury’s teams sometimes had terrible defenses or injuries, particularly at quarterback. Regardless, there is a bit of a trend.

Kingsbury met with the media on Thursday and was asked about those trends. He said he has no plans to break those trends, and he’d need to see “what years” the offensive declines occurred.

He then offered a solution.

“I was thinking about doing triple option,” Kingsbury said. “We’re going to do what we do.”

We think Kingsbury was joking, but no offensive coordinator in the NFL has been more creative this season. In looking at Washington’s offense the past few weeks, Kingsbury’s schemes and play-calling have not been the problem. It’s been the execution.

Don’t be surprised if the Commanders run the triple option on a play or two this week, either.

 

 

 

How the Justin Fields package became the Steelers’ secret weapon

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have unlocked their ultimate offensive weapon with the debut of the Justin Fields rushing-package in Week 11.

In what can only be described as a purely defensive contest, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 11 victory over the Baltimore Ravens paved the way for the debut of the long-awaited ‘Justin Fields package’ on offense.

Russell Wilson struggled against the Ravens’ defense, throwing for 205 yards while completing 63.9% of his passes and producing his lowest QBR of the season: 67.5. However, much of the blame should be placed on Pittsburgh’s pass protection, as the Ravens constantly had Wilson under pressure and sacked him four times.

Where the offense looked promising, however, was in several Justin Fields packages that featured three plays: one QB-power play and two QB-RB option plays that sealed the Steelers’ Week 11 victory.

Wilson’s ‘moon ball’ is a deep threat unlike anything the NFL has seen this season, but Pittsburgh’s implementation of Fields’ rushing abilities will make opposing defenses second-guess every meeting with the Steelers.

Wilson and Fields can tear through defenses in their own unique ways, and it was refreshing for fans to see what the Pittsburgh Steelers will be capable of moving forward when utilizing both talented QBs.

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Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Bengals stack up before Week 11 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Bengals stack up statistically ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Bengals are set to square off this upcoming Sunday night.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Cincinnati stack up statistically on both sides of the ball ahead of the Week 11 matchup:

Offense

Category Chargers Bengals
Points per game 20.7 ppg (19th) 27.0 ppg (6th)
Passing offense 196.4 ypg (22nd) 254.8 ypg (4th)
Rushing offense 117.9 ypg (19th) 89.7 ypg (29th)
Total offense 314.3 ypg (22nd) 344.5 ypg (12th)
3rd down conversions 39.84% (13th) 47.29% (3rd)
Red zone scoring 54.17% (18th) 72.41% (2nd)
Sacks allowed 24 (17th) 23 (12th)
Turnovers 4 (T-1st) 10 (8th)

Defense

Category Chargers Bengals
Points allowed 13.1 ppg (1st) 26.2 ppg (26th)
Passing defense 191.6 ypg (9th) 220.2 ypg (23rd)
Rushing defense 110.6 ypg (9th) 127.3 ypg (17th)
Total defense 302.1 ypg (6th) 347.5 ypg (23rd)
3rd down conversions 32.76% (5th) 45.80% (29th)
Red zone defense 38.89% (2nd) 71.88% (31st)
Sacks 31 (T-4th) 17 (28th)
Takeaways 13 (11th) 10 (20th)

 

Sean Payton says Broncos WRs need to have high football IQ for these scenarios

“Generally, guys with good football IQ do well in scramble drills,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said.

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has made some big plays on the ground this season, rushing 58 times for 295 yards, 27 first downs and four touchdowns through nine games.

Nix’s mobility puts a huge strain on defenses, especially when the quarterback buys time and then finds a receiver down the field. Last week, he did a great job finding running back Javonte Williams in the middle of the field for a first down on a scramble drill.

Scramble drills involve improvisation, but Broncos coach Sean Payton has said there’s a method to the madness.

“Well, we coach a scramble drill,” Payton said on Wednesday. “We have rules. Widest, flush, clear, second. Certainly, you want guys moving in the direction of the quarterback. Javonte kind of came out of it, and so there’s a point at which we’re not going to throw it all the way back.

“That was a heads up play and generally, guys with good football IQ do well in scramble drills. Generally, guys maybe that aren’t so tuned in maybe struggle with it, but it is something especially when you have a quarterback like Bo.”

This week, Denver will face one of the NFL’s best scrambling quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs star has given the Broncos plenty of headaches over the years on scramble drills. Nix and Co. will look to return the favor on Sunday.

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Chiefs OC Matt Nagy describes veteran wide receiver’s ‘instant synergy’ with Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy describes DeAndre Hopkins’ ‘instant synergy’ with Patrick Mahomes | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy addressed the media on Thursday, gushing about DeAndre Hopkins’ quick grasp of the gameplan and syncing up with Patrick Mahomes.

There’s there has been an instant synergy with Pat (Patrick Mahomes) and DeAndre (Hopkins) instant, and sometimes those take a lot more for some guys than others, but he’s come in here and has just picked up.” said Nagy. “I don’t use the term lightly, but these guys are really Pat and D-Hop are really thinking the same way on certain routes, especially in zone, which is crazy because it doesn’t normally always happen like that. It normally takes time, but from the first practice, second practice, till our last game. “

Hopkins fits in seamlessly with the offense and Mahomes. In his home Arrowhead Stadium debut last Monday night, he caught eight passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

“There’s some stuff in there that he that they’re putting on tape that makes it tough, especially when you put (Travis) Kelce on the same side, or other side that thinks the same way,” said Nagy. “As long as he and Pat have been doing it, that’s tough.

Since arriving in Kansas City, Kelce has praised Hopkins for his veteran skills. Both players were vital to the overtime victory in Week 9.

“So it’s really neat to see when guys are thinking like Pat, and for D-Hop, he’s been doing it a long time,” said Nagy. “it’s been instant with him.”

Broncos QB Bo Nix needs to stop ‘overthinking’ long passes

Bo Nix and Troy Franklin were college teammates, so why have they struggled to connect in the NFL? “It’s just a level of overthinking it.”

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix had a respectable game against the Baltimore Ravens last week, but he struggled on deep throws, failing to connect with fellow rookie Troy Franklin once again.

“I thought he did well [overall],” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of Nix’s performance in Baltimore. “I think there were some plays certainly he would’ve wished he had back. He just missed Troy on a Cover Zero check, and there’s still so many learning moments for him. In other words, each week is another class for another test, and I like the way he’s progressing. I like the poise after each series and after the game. You feel his maturity.”

This week, Nix and Co. will travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs on the road. The quarterback was asked about his (lack of) connection with Franklin during his media availability earlier this week.

“I think with me and him right now, it’s just a level of overthinking it a little bit I think,” Nix said. “The pressure and the ambition of, ‘We’ve already done it. We have to do it again. It should be easy for us.’ That’s not the case. You’re going against different guys. You’re playing in a different system. You’re thinking a little bit too much. I’m also not going to make excuses. We have to hit them when they’re open.

“We practice well. We do a good job of making sure we get the reps in practice, and I think it’s only a matter of time before the explosives and the big ones are being hit again. It’s good to be able to have those other guys like ‘Court’ and all those guys to make explosive plays at the same time. You can really kind of spread the ball out and distribute it well. I just think we have to stop overthinking it.”

Nix and Franklin were teammates at Oregon from 2022-2023, but their chemistry has not yet translated to the NFL. We’ll see if that changes this week.

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). Playing at home, KC is considered a heavy favorite against the Broncos.

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Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Titans stack up before Week 10 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Titans stack up statistically ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Titans are set to square off this upcoming Sunday.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Tennessee stack up statistically on both sides of the ball ahead of the Week 10 matchup:

Offense

Category Chargers Titans
Points per game 19.9 ppg (24th) 17.5 ppg (27th)
Passing offense 200.5 ypg (21st) 170.8 ypg (27th)
Rushing offense 114.5 ypg (20th) 125.6 ypg (12th)
Total offense 315.0 ypg (22nd) 296.4 ypg (27th)
3rd down conversions 39.82% (11th) 32.67% (28th)
Red zone scoring 52.63% (22nd) 52.00% (24th)
Sacks allowed 24 (24th) 21 (18th)
Turnovers 4 (2nd) 17 (31st)

Defense

Category Chargers Titans
Points allowed 12.6 ppg (1st) 26.6 ppg (27th)
Passing defense 195.9 ypg (11th) 155.8 ypg (1st)
Rushing defense 107.9 ypg (8th) 113.4 ypg (11th)
Total defense 303.8 ypg (8th) 269.1 ypg (1st)
3rd down conversions 32.71% (5th) 31.25% (2nd)
Red zone defense 40.00% (2nd) 65.22% (26th)
Sacks 24 (10th) 18 (25th)
Takeaways 13 (11th) 6 (29th)

 

Broncos will have to make a tough decision at center soon

Alex Forsyth started the last four games with Luke Wattenberg on injured reserve. With Wattenberg now returning from IR, who should start?

The Denver Broncos will soon have to make a tough decision at center.

After spending the last four weeks on injured reserve with an ankle injury, center Luke Wattenberg returned to practice on Wednesday. He now has a 21-day window to return to the active roster.

Wattenberg started the team’s first five games of the season. Pro Football Focus gave him a 71.3 pass-blocking grade, a 53.1 run-blocking grade and a 58.0 overall grade in those five games. Wattenberg was penalized once and was not credited with allowing any sacks from Weeks 1-5.

After Wattenberg went down, the Broncos turned to second-year center Alex Forsyth, who played with quarterback Bo Nix at Oregon. Forsyth started the last four games while Wattenberg was on IR.

“You never like for your guys to get hurt,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said on Oct. 10. “We have a lot of confidence in the guys that are filling in. Alex was right there with the center battle during training camp, and obviously he and Bo have a good relationship. That’s always important with centers and quarterbacks.”

By PFF’s estimation, Forysth has played better than Wattenberg. Forysth has a 58.7 pass-blocking grade, a 68.9 run-blocking grade and an overall grade of 67.5 this season. Forysth has not been penalized, but PFF credits him with allowing two sacks.

So, what will Denver do when Wattenberg returns to the active roster, perhaps as early as this weekend? Do they go back to their Week 1 starter, or stick with the center who now has four starts under his belt and previous experience with Nix?

It will be a tough decision for coach Sean Payton and Co. to make. Payton rarely reveals lineup decisions, so we probably won’t get an answer until the first snap on Sunday.

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Mike Tomlin impressed by Commanders’ offense ahead of Week 10 matchup

During media availability on Tuesday, Mike Tomlin spoke highly of the team’s Week 11 opponent, the Commanders, and their offensive success.

It’s safe to say the 6-2 Pittsburgh Steelers have their work cut out for them in an extremely difficult Week 10 matchup against the 7-2 Washington Commanders.

While some coaches shudder at the idea of solving the difficult puzzle that is Washington’s offensive prowess, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin welcomes the opportunity.

Tomlin spoke during media availability on Tuesday and praised what the Steelers’ Week 10 opponents are doing right on offense.

“They lead the NFL in rushing touchdowns,” Tomlin stated. “His [Jayden Daniels’] quarterback mobility is a component of that. They’re eleven of eleven on fourth-down conversions.” He continued to highlight what the Commanders do well, including their impressive ball security, noting that the team has only turned the ball over three times, which Tomlin called “a record of some description through nine games in the NFL.”

While Tomlin seems in awe of Washington’s offensive capabilities, make no mistake—his game planning and preparation will be exactly what the Steelers need to win in Week 10.

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