Lack of offense is problem for NFL
Watching last weekend’s NFL games, it seemed familiar.
Offenses struggling to get first downs. Failures to score touchdowns when they did get near the goal line. Low-scoring, boring games.
They all looked a lot like Steelers games. Only the Steelers were on a bye week.
The NFL has a bit of an issue. Through six weeks, games are averaging 43.4 points per game, which is up slightly from 43.3 points per game last season.
But when you factor in the Dolphins and Broncos played a 70-20 game this season, teams are scoring less than they did a year ago.
A big part of the issue is the quarterbacks starting in the league are younger than ever before. Nearly half the teams in the league are starting a quarterback with four or fewer years of experience.
And some of the veterans out there aren’t good.
That and poor overall offensive line play has led to more sacks, which leads to more turnovers, which leads to … less scoring.
If that sounds familiar, it’s because that is what has plagued the Steelers this season.
Defenses also know this and they’re playing more two-deep zone safety alignments in an effort to make the young quarterbacks be patient and not allow quick scores.
For the Steelers, the return of wide receiver Diontae Johnson and tight end Pat Freiermuth from injury will surely help the offense.
But for many other teams, there doesn’t seem to be much hope of improvement.
There’s not much the NFL can do about this at this point. So look for adjustments in the offseason – whether it means fewer offensive penalties or something of the like – to help offenses.
Fans want points.
- The AFC North is the only division in which all four teams are at .500 or better. And the Baltimore Ravens are leading the way averaging 22.1 points per game. The Steelers, Browns and Bengals are all averaging fewer than 20 points per game.
If the Steelers can improve their scoring in the second half – as they did a year ago post-bye, averaging a touchdown more per game – they’ll be in the mix the rest of the season.
- ESPN released its top 100 players in the NHL list and Penguins fans weren’t happy.
Sidney Crosby was ranked No. 23.
But if fans who were upset take a step back and look at things objectively – I know, it’s a stretch for fans – that’s about where Crosby is at this point in his career.
He’s 36. His team didn’t even make the playoffs last season in a league in which pretty much everyone makes the playoffs. Yes, he scored 33 goals, two more than he netted in the previous season, but he also played in 13 more games.
This doesn’t mean Crosby is a bad player. To be in the top 25 at 36 years old is a feather in his cap.
This was not a career ranking or anything of the sort. It was just about this season.
Crosby was at least four years older than every player on the list ranked ahead of him.
Besides, such lists are just exercises to get people talking. They don’t really mean anything.
This week’s games
Steelers (plus 3) at Rams: If Matthew Stafford has time to throw, then the Steelers could be in trouble. The key is not allowing that to happen. And with the Rams down to their third- and fourth-string running backs, who is going to be the chipper on T.J. Watt? Watt could have a big game. Take the Steelers, 23-20.
Browns (minus 2 1/2) at Colts: The Browns reacted to beating the 49ers like they won the Super Bowl last week. It was a big win, but there is plenty of season remaining. And the Browns are 3-13 since the start of the 2021 season in games following a win. The Colts’ offensive line should be capable of slowing Cleveland’s pass rush. Smells like a letdown game. Take the Colts to cover in a 17-16 loss.
Lions (plus 3) at Ravens: The Ravens played in London last Sunday and will play again this week after telling the league they didn’t want the bye after coming back. They might regret that decision against the Lions, though not having running back David Montgomery will hurt Detroit. Take the Lions, 22-19.
Raiders (minus 3) at Bears: Former Shepherd quarterback and undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent will make his first career start for the Bears. He won’t like seeing Maxx Crosby staring across the line at him. There weren’t any players like Crosby in the PSAC. Take the Raiders, 19-6
Commanders (minus 2½) at Giants: The Giants basically have an all-new offensive line as their front has been crushed by injuries. That’s not good news against a Washington front that is the strength of that team. Take the Commanders, 21-14.
Last Week: 2-3 ATS; 3-2 straight up
Overall: 16-13-1 ATS; 19-11 straight up