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NFL: Predicting the top 5 running attacks for the 2023 season

By Loyal Ricks Jr

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 22: Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns rushes during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 22: Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns rushes during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) /
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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?

Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 29: Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter in the AFC Championship Game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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.

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