Completing touchdown passes is becoming the primary goal for NFL offenses. Franchises spend hours negotiating contracts for quarterbacks with the intent of seeing results on the gridiron. A heavy dose of the passing game leads to high point totals, but aren’t rushing schemes important too?
Maintaining a balanced offense is difficult when your quarterback completes high-level throws. Coordinators love deep passes and easy points. While defensive minds collaborate to limit the success of opposing air raids, which rushing attacks will help their franchises the most this season?
NFL Rushing Offense #5: Cincinnati Bengals
Relying on Joe Burrow’s arm to win games is working for the Bengals. He’s developed into a top-tier quarterback within the first four years under center. In 2022, Burrow ranked first in PFF’s offense rating (92) and passing rating (91.0). Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd make their quarterback’s job easy – earning a 77.5 overall grade as a receiving core.
Contributions from Joe Mixon could take the offense to a new level in the upcoming season. Cincinnati earned an 87.4 rushing grade last year and will continue to improve. Mixon accumulated 978 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022. A balanced offense could easily take Cincinnati’s running back over the 1,000-yard mark for the second time in his career.
The Bengals must develop their offense line first. La’el Collins led the offensive line in run-blocking efficiency last season. He adjusted to schemes quickly and earned a 73.5 run blocking.