My best friend and hero, Ryan Reynolds, once said something to me. He said, “Everett, when you have expectations, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.”
That was a few years ago, and obviously I didn’t listen because I was very excited about these offenses coming into the year. Their offseason changes and returning production warranted high expectations, and look at me now. Disappointed.
Dang it, Ryan. You were right. Again.
3 NFL offenses in need of a Week 3 turnaround
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh hired Mike McDaniel as his offensive coordinator this offseason. The former head coach of the Dolphins is known for his creative and innovative play-calling, so there was plenty of hype about what this offense could look like with McDaniel calling plays for the freakishly gifted quarterback Justin Herbert.
And the Chargers have a very talented offensive roster. The aforementioned Herbert is at quarterback, second year running back Omarion Hampton was given Terrell Davis comparisons in the offseason, Ladd McConkey at receiver, and they have a talented young tackle duo in Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. You have everything you need.
But this start to the season for this offense has been very disappointing. After Week 2, the Chargers rank 23rd in yards, 28th in points, and 28th in EPA per play. The passing game has been mediocre, while the rushing attack has been dreadful, with Hampton averaging under four yards per carry and the Chargers ranking 31st in EPA per rush.
The only time this offense has looked good has been when McConkey gets the ball. McConkey has by far the most receiving EPA on the team. He more than quintuples the second-highest receiver.
And yes, I just said “quintuples.”
The Chargers will travel across the country this week to face the Buffalo Bills. While Josh Allen and the Bills offense have been incredible, their defense has not been good through two weeks. Buffalo ranks 25th in EPA per play, 27th in yards allowed, and 30th in points allowed.
Is this the week we finally see what we were promised from this offense in the offseason? My Magic 8 Ball is out of batteries, otherwise I’d have a better answer for you.
New England Patriots
“Drake Maye is coming off an MVP runner-up season, they signed Romeo Doubs, AND they traded for A.J. Brown? This offense is gonna be awesome this year.”
Not exactly, my friend. Maye and this New England Patriots offense have had a slow start to the season, ranking in the bottom 10 in points per game, yards per play, and EPA per play.
The rushing attack has actually been okay, with a 44.1% success rate and 4.2 rushing yards per play. But this passing attack ranks 28th in EPA per pass, while Maye has thrown for just one touchdown and four interceptions through two weeks.
A.J. Brown’s absence has not helped either, as Maye will be without his top receiver until late October.
New England now goes on the road this week to face the Jacksonville Jaguars defense. Through two weeks, Jacksonville has held opposing offenses to 15 points per game, but they’ve allowed 6.2 yards per play and 8.2 yards per pass, both of which rank 30th in the league.
Is this the week we see Maye and this passing attack return to its form from a year ago? Again, my Magic 8 Ball is dead. Stop asking me, geez!
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