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.
NFL Rushing Offense #4: Atlanta Falcons
The race for the NFC South is underway, and franchises are finalizing their preparations. Only one team finished with a winning record last season. With Tom Brady out of the picture, the division is free to claim. Off-season acquisitions reshuffled rosters, giving the Panthers, Falcons, and Saints a better chance to compete in the new year.
Arthur Smith and his staff worked hard to improve their roster this off-season. They exchanged the eighth pick in the NFL Draft for the No.1 running back in the 2023 class. He hasn’t played a game yet, but I can tell Bijan Robinson will become a staple player in an offense. Atlanta ranked fifth in rushing (90.6) and first in run blocking (83.7) last season. They are looking for ways to help Desmond Ridder adjust, which will result in more handoffs.
NFL Rushing Offense #3: Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers played a vital part in Green Bays’ offense last season. He threw 542 completions and accounted for 26 touchdown passes in his final season in Adam Stenavich’s offense. Rodgers experienced growing pains in 2022 but relied on his talented backfield to create magic.
Aaron Jones had an exceptional season. He earned a 90.6 rushing grade, ranking third behind Josh Jacobs and Jordan Mason. Green Bay will need their veteran rusher to carry the offense again this year. Trade with the Jets sent Aaron Rodgers to the east coast. Jordan Love is the starting quarterback, which could lead to occasional hiccups. Relying on Jones to lead the Packers to victory sounds like the best game plan. Their offensive line ranked 10th in run blocking (91.5) last season and could help Stenavich while he develops his quarterback.
NFL Rushing Offense #2: Cleveland Browns
An 11-game suspension kept Deshaun Watson off the field for the beginning half of last season. Jacoby Brissett did what he could to fill in for his teammate. Performances against the Jets, Steelers, and Bills showed glimpses of veteran experience – but it wasn’t enough to maintain a winning record. Throwing the football became less of an option – presenting more carries Nick Chubb.
It didn’t take Chubb too long to warm up in 2023. His hat trick against the Jets in Week 2 sparked a successful season. He scored 12 touchdowns on the season and maintained a five-yard per-carry average. Chubb also tied seventh in rushing rating (90.7) and third in rushing yards (1,525). He will help Deshaun Watson get into a rhythm without rushing his return.
NFL Rushing Offense #1: Seattle Seahawks
The divorce between Russell Wilson and the Seahawks did not end as expected. Seattle actually improved with Geno Smith under center. He earned the highest offensive rating in his career (79.3) and led his franchise to a playoff berth.
A balanced offense helped Seattle conquer the NFC West. We’ll see another dose of it this season. Kenneth Walker III played a vital role. He rushed for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns (t-9th). His efforts earned Offensive Rookie of the Year and a new devoted NFL fanbase. If Geno Smith doesn’t find his magic, Walker is a reliable back that will add points to the board.
Balanced offenses are lethal. They keep defenses on their toes – resulting in more points. Effective rushing schemes take pressure off developing quarterbacks. Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, and Jimmy Garoppolo would benefit from a run-first approach. It limits mistakes and keeps the game within reach.