NFL 2023 – Offense, Defense & Team Grades For Weeks 7 – 12

 

Time to hand out NFL 20023 offense, defense, and team grades for the past 6 weeks.  If you would like to read the Week 6 grades you can find them here:

NFL 2023 Team Grades Through 6 Weeks

NFL 2023 Team Offense Grades Through 6 Weeks

NFL 2023 Team Defense Grades Through 6 Weeks

The chart above shows rankings for week 1-6 and weeks 7-12 in NET Yards/Play, NET EP, & Power rating.  Below, each team capsule will provide the following information for weeks 7 – 12:

• Net Expected Points
• Net Yards / Play
• Power Rating
• Graphics Metrics Capsule showing weeks 1-6 and 7-12 in one chart for comparison
• Offense Grade & Comments
• Offense Metrics
• Defense Grade & Comments
• Defense Metrics
• Summary

NFL 2023 – Offense, Defense & Team Grades

Grade A

Dallas Cowboys Grade A+

• Net Expected Points: 134.21 (1st)
• Net Yards/Play: 2.4 (1st)
• Power Rating: 110.4  (2nd)

 

Offense (Grade A+++) – If 10 gallon hats are the norm in Dallas, then Dak and the offense have been wearing the 100 gallon chapeau for the past 6 weeks.  The Cowboys have simply had their way with opposing defenses:  6.7 yards/play, 53% scoring%, 8.2 yds/pass att, only 5 turnovers. 

You want a good stat?  Miami’s offense in the first 6 weeks, including their 70 point outburst, tallied 111 EP.  Dallas’ offense the past six week, 107 EP.  I don’t know if they can keep this up, but who can?

• Point/Game For  35.5 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 6.7 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  5 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  8.2 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.2 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  53.2%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   6.4% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  107.16 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade A ) – The only real complaint with Dallas’ defense is they are not creating many turnovers.  But that’s ok, because when they do, Bland returns it for a TD.  The Cowboys are allowing a full yard less than league average in yards/play.  

• Points/Game Against  17.0 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  4.3 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  6 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  4.5 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.7 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   28.2%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  8.8% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  27.05 (avg -9.3)

If the Cowboys play in January the way the played in October and November, only the Ravens could probably stop them.  Now the competition outside the Eagles hasn’t been the greatest, but you can only play who they send to show up that day.  The Cowboys offense has basically eviscerated anything in its’ path, and the defense has been extremely good as well.  The Cowboys look like the 10 – 1 team the Eagles are by metrics, and the Eagles look like the 8 -3 team Cowboys are by stats.  This should be an interesting final 6 weeks in the NFC East.

 

Baltimore Ravens Grade A

• Net Expected Points: 112.64 (2nd)
• Net Yards/Play: 2.0 (2nd)
• Power Rating: 110.80 (1st)

 

Offense (Grade A+ ) – Looking at these numbers, there is no doubt the Ravens offense has been smoking hot the past six weeks.  There is literally not one metric I can even poke at, they are all excellent.  I just can’t give them higher than an A+ due to the Cowboys offense.

• Point/Game For  31.8 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 6.1 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  5 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  7.2 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  5.5 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  48%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   7.7% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  75.56 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade A) – I guess you could complain about the slight uptick in rush yards allowed, or demand even more turnovers, but you would really be nitpicking.  If you want to try to score on this defense running does seem the better option because the 4.4 yard/pass attempt is stellar.

• Points/Game Against  16.0 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  4.4 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  11 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  4.4 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.6 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   27%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  14.8% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  37.08 (avg -9.3)

I am not sure how anyone will be able to beat the Ravens if both units continue to play like this.  The offense is humming along and the defense is doing its normal thing.  Without the tiny chink in the armor with rush defense, it is one long green line for the Ravens in the metrics.  If they play like this, beating the Ravens in January is going to be extremely difficult.

 

Minnesota Vikings Grade A-

• Net Expected Points: 49.95 (3rd)
• Net Yards/Play: 0.3 (8th)
• Power Rating: 104.13 (5th)

 

Offense (Grade B ) – Too many turnovers and the run game has bogged down a bit, but scoring points and EP regularly.

• Point/Game For  22.3 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.4 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  11 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.7 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.8 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  43.8%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   14.3% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  30.43 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade A ) – If you really want to nitpick the 35.9% scoring % is a tad high, but that could easily be from a couple short field turnovers by the offense.  The Vikings won games because of their defense during the past six weeks.

• Points/Game Against  17.8 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.1 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  10 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.8 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.7 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   35.9%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  14% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  19.52 (avg -9.3)

The problem the Vikings have is part of their offense grade and stats are when from Cousins was healthy.  Right now the offense is more a C-/D+ offense.  With the defense playing the way it has the past 6 weeks the Vikings can stay in the playoff hunt, but any drop off and it may be too much to overcome the failings of the offense post Cousins injury.

 

San Francisco 49ers Grade A-

• Net Expected Points: 48.32 (4th)
• Net Yards/Play: 1.7 (3rd)
• Power Rating: 106.27 (4th)

 

Offense (Grade A ) – Well above average in almost every metric with an average amount of turnovers.

• Point/Game For  25.2 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 6.8 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers 7 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt 9.0 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att 4.5 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring % 42.2%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   12.1% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  52.09 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade B+ ) – All the metrics look good, but the Expected Points is decidedly average.

• Points/Game Against 16.4 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.1 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  10 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt 5.7 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.0 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   30.5%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  18.2% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -3.77 (avg -9.3)

The 49ers had a little bobble where the lost 3 in a row, but looking at the 6 weeks as a whole  it was still pretty good when it comes to metrics and stats.  You can see the bobble came mostly from the defense, but it could have been the result of defending short fields when Purdy went a bit scattershot for a few weeks.

 

Grade B

Miami Dolphins Grade B+

• Net Expected Points: 35.23 (6th)
• Net Yards/Play: 1.2 (4th)
• Power Rating: 107.29 (3rd)

 

Offense (Grade B- ) – Everything has fallen back to Earth for the Miami offense.  It was pretty average with a sprinkle of extra turnovers the past 6 weeks.

• Point/Game For  23.2 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.8 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers 10 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.6 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.5 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  34.8%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   17.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points -1.27 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade A ) – The defense has been playing extremely well as the metrics show.  The 3.5 rush/attempt and 4.6 yards/play are sparkling and they are creating turnovers.

• Points/Game Against  19.6 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 4.6 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers 9 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt 5.3 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att 3.5 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   26.5%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  15.6% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  36.5 (avg -9.3)

The Dolphins offense has come back to reality, but their defense has picked up the slack.  This is probably a better combination for December and the playoffs as the stout defense should travel well and keep them in games if weather were to be a factor.  Getting the running game going again would help.

 

Buffalo Bills Grade B

• Net Expected Points: 38.96 (5th)
• Net Yards/Play: 0.7 (5th)
• Power Rating: 102.73 (7th)

 

Offense (Grade A- ) – The turnovers have been lethal, but the production of the offense has been quite good.  Without the turnovers this would be an A grade, but they have happened so thus the deduction.

• Point/Game For  25.8 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.8 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  11 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.8 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.4 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  40.2%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  16.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  55.51 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade C ) – Here is where Buffalo has taken a step backwards.  These are average, if not slightly below average numbers.  They are not horrendous, but they aren’t good either.

• Points/Game Against  23.0 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.1 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  8 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.9 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.0 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   39.6%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  10.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -16.55(avg -9.3)

This is pretty simple.  Buffalo has an excellent offense that was plagued by very costly turnovers.  The defense is starting to leak oil with injuries playing a part.  McDermott’s game management hasn’t been helping but this would seem to be a question of whether the offense can carry the defense enough to make the playoffs.  All the metrics say that the Bills are better than their weeks 7 – 12 record, but they dug themselves a huge hole to get out of with a poor, and a bit unlucky, 6 weeks.

 

Kansas City Chiefs Grade B

• Net Expected Points: 20.92 (11th)
• Net Yards/Play: 0.6 (7th)
• Power Rating: 103.06 (6th)

 

Offense (Grade C+ ) – Too many turnovers, and fairly average looking stats for the offense the past 6 weeks.  The running game still needs work, but the passing games has seemingly lost some of its firepower.

• Point/Game For  21.8 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.7 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  10 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.5 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.1 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  34.2%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   16.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  16.84 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade B+ ) – They didn’t create many turnovers, and the rush defense got a little dinged up.  The lack of turnover led to low EP, but the 27.3% scoring% is nice and 19 ppg against should work if the offense comes around to its normal potency.

• Points/Game Against  18.2 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.1 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  5 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.3 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.7 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   27.3%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  9.4% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  4.08 (avg -9.3)

The Chiefs, like the Eagles, tend to outplay their stats.  The past 6 weeks have not been the Chief’s best football when it comes to stats or metrics, but they win games.  The defense is clearly the better unit right now, and the offense is not being helped by not having a reliable receiver outside of Rice.  Kelce is great, but you can’t throw it to him every time and his snaps are being monitored by Reid it seems to keep him healthy, or healthier.  If the defense creates a few more turnovers and the offense cuts back on them, it will be back to status quo.

Green Bay Packers Grade B

• Net Expected Points: 23.28 (7th)
• Net Yards/Play: 0.2 (9th)
• Power Rating: 101.07 (11th)

 

Offense (Grade B+ ) – Jordan Love has turned it around when you compare weeks 7 – 12 to weeks 1 -6.  He jumped from 5.8 py/att to 6.6, and the running game followed suit jumping from an abyssmal 3.5 yards/att to a healthy 4.7.

• Point/Game For  19.7 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.7 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  6 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.6 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.7 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  32.7%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   9.3% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  34.77 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade C+) – All the metrics and stats are decidedly average or slightly below save one, points against.  Probably a bit of luck helping the Packers defense keep points off the board.  

• Points/Game Against  18.1 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.5 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  7 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.3 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.5 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   35.4%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  11.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -11.49 (avg -9.3)

With the offense averaging just under 20 ppg and the defense in this form giving up 18 ppg there is little room for bad luck.  The Packers don’t turn the ball over and they don’t take the ball away so its often a field position battle.  If the defense can pick it up a notch and the offense stays on this pace, the could hang around to snatch the final wild card.

Indianapolis Colts Grade B

• Net Expected Points: 22.65 (9th)
• Net Yards/Play: 0.0 (13th)
• Power Rating: 101.18 (10th)

 

Offense (Grade B ) – The offense has been slightly above average to good at times.  The seem to score more points than their stats suggest they should so many getting a bit lucky or taking advantage of short fields when given them.

• Point/Game For  25.8 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.3 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  8 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.2 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.4 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  36.1%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   11.9% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  17.34 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade C+ ) – Pass defense has gotten better but rush defense has gotten worse.  They are creating turnovers but also giving up points.  Kind of one step forward, one step back.

• Points/Game Against  23.4 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.3 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  10 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.5 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.7 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   36.9%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  15.9% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  5.31 (avg -9.3)

The Colts look like the kind of team that could grab the 6th or 7th slot for the playoffs or miss the playoffs entirely by a game.  They are literally right on the edge of where the metrics and stats need to be, but they have almost no room for error.  Protect the ball, be disciplined regarding penalties, and slip in the playoffs is best case scenario.

Philadelphia Eagles Grade B

• Net Expected Points: 22.91 (8th)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.2 (19th)
• Power Rating: 101.61 (8th)

 

Offense (Grade A- ) – The Eagles offense is a bit mystifying.  Dead average for yards/play, a little above avg for pass yards/ att, and below average for rush yard / att.  Yet they score a ton of points and generate EP.  A guess?  The Eagles ability to convert 3rd/4th downs allows their offense to be very efficient scoring points, while being very average on any given single play.

• Point/Game For  31.0 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.3 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  7 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.7 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.9 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  43.2%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   12.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  46.67 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade C-) – The defense looks below average by the metrics.  Literally at or below average in every stat, not by much, but below.  The -24.5 EP is not good at all and they aren’t creating that many turnovers.  This could be the Eagles achilles heel.

• Points/Game Against  24.1 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.5 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  6 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.1 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.6 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   36.1%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  10.9% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -24.5 (avg -9.3)

The Eagles have been an enigma to me, the algorithm, the power ratings, and the metrics.  They have been 7th or 8th best team by every metric except record where they are far and away the best.  Perhaps a secret love child of Riverboat Ron Rivera, All In Nick Sirianni’s go for broke style on offense has to play a major factor in how the Eagles outperform their stats.  Maybe the referees are helping, the OL is just a beast, and the ball is bouncing the right way at critical times, but Philadelphia’s record is built a bit like a house of cards.  The need to fix the defense as the offense can’t always have a good day.

 

Denver Broncos Grade B-

• Net Expected Points: 21.35 (10th)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.6 (23rd)
• Power Rating: 99.87 (16th)

 

Offense (Grade ) – The Broncos offense has been protecting the ball to the tune of 3 turnovers in 6 weeks.  This led to a high scoring%, but all the other metrics are below average.  This is another, no margin for error, kind of offense.

• Point/Game For  23.9 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  4.9 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  3 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.7 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.9 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  46%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   5.8% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  4.43 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade ) – The pass defense has gotten way better, but the yards/play and rush defense still have issues.  What saved this defense and the Borncos are the 16 turnovers forced in six weeks.  Yet scoring% still in the mid 30’s…that is not a good sign.  When the turnovers dry up there could be major issues.

• Points/Game Against  17.6 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.5 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  16 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.5 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  5.2 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   33.1%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  26.6% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  16.92 (avg -9.3)

The Broncos were absolutely horrible on defense the first 6 weeks, and reletively average offensively.  Give them credit for not mailing it in, but I still have serious doubts.  They are still only average offensively, even with minimal turnovers, and their defense has patched all their holes with the plaster known as turnovers.  When the turnovers stop coming, that plaster isn’t going to hold back anyone.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers Grade B-

• Net Expected Points: 16.05 (12th)
• Net Yards/Play: 0.1 (11th)
• Power Rating: 98.30 (21st)

 

Offense (Grade C- ) – The Steelers can run the ball and don’t turn it over.  Their passing game is extremely limited which leads to low points scored and scoring%.  When you only turn the ball over 3 times in 6 weeks, you should put up much better numbers.  The only player putting up better numbers is the Steelers punter.

• Point/Game For  17.2 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.3 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  3 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.3 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  5.2 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  32.6%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   4.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  16.72 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade A- ) – The Steelers defense has been doing the share of the rowing although EP really doesn’t care for the unit.  All the metrics say the defense was a clear strength yet the OFF & DEF EP numbers are pretty close to equal as far as EP above average(between 7 – 9 points for both)

• Points/Game Against  15.3 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.2 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  9 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.0 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.8 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   33.4%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  14.2% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -0.67 (avg -9.3)

The Steelers are weaving some magic because the stats say they should be a .500 team.  It is literally as if they do just enough to win the majority of games.  It is never easy, and often hard to watch, but at the end of the day they somehow score a few more points than their opponent.  Statistically I can’t really explain it other than to tip the cap to Coach Tomlin and say, Do that voodoo you do so well.

Grade C

 

Cleveland Browns Grade C+

• Net Expected Points: 9.2 (13th)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.7 (27th)
• Power Rating: 100.98 (12th)

 

Offense (Grade D ) – They have scored more points than average but almost every other metric is poor.  Probably getting good field position from the defense that is helping scoring%.

• Point/Game For  24.0 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 4.5 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  11 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  4.9 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.9 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  37.3%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   12.6% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -18.67 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade A- ) – Generating a lot of turnovers, but also having to offset a lot of turnovers by their own offense that puts the defense having to defend short fields as seen in ppg against even though scoring% is quite good at 28%.

• Points/Game Against  22.6 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.2 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  12 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.7 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.7 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   28%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  16.3% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  27.77 (avg -9.3)

I am not breaking any news by saying the Browns offense is not pulling their share of the weight.  With even an average offense the Browns are a playoff team.  With this offense, it is going to take some good fortune to even slip in and get eliminated in the wild card round.  It shows it is very hard to win with a great defense and poor offense.   In this era, you are probably much better off with a great offense and a poor defense, as the great offense can probably get some help from penalties to make them more lethal.

Houston Texans Grade C+

• Net Expected Points: 6.83 (14th)
• Net Yards/Play: 0.7 (6th)
• Power Rating: 101.26 (9th)

 

Offense (Grade B+) – The offense has turned the corner.  Stround and Dell should be co-rookies of the year as I am not sure either is as good as they have been without the other.  And Nico Collins is balling.  If they find a run game, watch out.

• Point/Game For 24.8  (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 6.3 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  8 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  7.6 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.2 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  38.6%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   13.7% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  38.72 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade D) – The Texans defense is very good against the run, and horrible against the pass.  This means a lot of high scoring shootouts, especially if your are allowing opponents to score 42% of the time.

• Points/Game Against  23.3 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.6 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  6 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  7.0 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.3 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   42.3%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  9.1% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -31.89 (avg -9.3)

As said in the week 6 grades, no one expected the Texans to be this good, this fast.  They clearly won the best 2023 rookie qb battle, and the receiving unit(Collins, Dell, Schultz) is as good a trio anywhere save SF.  If DeMeco Ryans can sprinkle a little pixie dust on the defense and get them up to average level, the Texans can be playing in January.  Even if they miss the playoffs, this has been a hugely successful years for Houston.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars Grade C+

• Net Expected Points: -1.91 (16th)
• Net Yards/Play: 0.0 (15th)
• Power Rating: 98.93 (18th)

 

Offense (Grade B-) – They can’t run the ball and they turned it over too much, but 7.1 yards per pass attempt will work as will scoring 39%(though in the 40’s would be better).  

• Point/Game For  22.4 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.5 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  10 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  7.1 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.6 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  39%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   16% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  16.87 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade C-) – The defense has taken a step back the past 6 weeks.  They kept the scoring% and ppga down, but the other metrics are all in the red.  -19 EP is due to the lack of turnovers created.

• Points/Game Against  20.6 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.5 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  5 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.3 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.4 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   31.7%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  8.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -18.78 (avg -9.3)

The Jaguars are a bit of a two faced team.  The first 6 weeks, the offense was kind of dull and the defense was good.  The past 6 weeks, the offense has been good and the defense has been kind of meh.  They should have enough to win the division and get a home game in the playoffs, but that could be a very powerful 5 seed.  The Jaguars really need to round into form if they have aspirations of getting to the AFC Championship.

 

Atlanta Falcons Grade C+

• Net Expected Points: 3.65 (15th)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.1 (16th)
• Power Rating: 100.24 (13th)

 

Offense (Grade C) – I like Ridder more now than I did after 6 weeks.  He is taking what the defense gives much more than he was after 6 weeks.  No one will confuse them with the 2000 Rams, but they are a decent average offense right now.

• Point/Game For  22.8 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.4 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  8 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.1 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.8 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  38.3%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   14.3% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  4.69 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade C+) – The Falcons defense is playing about the same as the offense, about average or a tick above.  Normally this would be a building season, but in the NFC South a tick above average may be enough to win it.

• Points/Game Against  22.2 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.5 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  8 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.5 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.5 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   41.5 %(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  13.4% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -1.04 (avg -9.3)

The Falcons have an opportunity in 2023 to get into the playoffs with a young QB.  That would be a nice accomplishment after how the year started, and how Ridder looked after 6 weeks.  If they can simply play the way they have the past 6 weeks, they should have a better than 50% chance to win the division.  If they revert back to the first 6 weeks form, its going to be a slog to the finish with the rest of the division muddling along side them.

 

New Orleans Saints Grade C

• Net Expected Points: -3.09 (17th)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.2 (20th)
• Power Rating: 98.43 (20th)

 

Offense (Grade B-) – The Saints offense has been pretty good the past 6 weeks.  If they played like this all season the Saints would win 10 games.

• Point/Game For  24.0 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.4 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  6.0 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.6 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.2 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  37.5%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   9.8% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  20.53 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade D ) – The Saints defense, on the other hand, has fallen off a cliff.  This unit carried the New Orleans the first 6 weeks, and now has been a massive anchor in the water they are dragging.

• Points/Game Against  24.4 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.8 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  10 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.3 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  5.1 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   34.8%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  15.7% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -23.62(avg -9.3)

Here is another team that has two units that play well at different times, but rarely at the same time.  When the offense is good, the defense is terrible.  When the defense is decent, the offense lays an egg or turns the ball over.  If you saw each unit on its best day, you would say playoff team.  It’s just that that rarely seems to happen on Sundays.

 

Detroit Lions Grade C

• Net Expected Points: -14.12 (19th)
• Net Yards/Play: 0.1 (10th)
• Power Rating: 99.97 (15th)

 

Offense (Grade B+ ) – The offense has been turning the ball over too much the past 6 weeks, but they have remained efficient and very potent.  All the metrics are well above average except for the aforementioned turnovers.  The run game has been quite good the past 6 weeks.

• Point/Game For  25.2 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 6.0 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers 11 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.5 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  5.2 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  39.7%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   17.6% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  36.42 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade F ) – This is easy.  The Lions defense has been terrible for 6 weeks. Not creating turnovers, -50 EP, pass and rush defense are being gashed and scoring% of 42.9%.  Want to know why the Lions are losing?  Look no further.

• Points/Game Against  28.1 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.9 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  4 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  7.2 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.5 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   42.9%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  8.3% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -50.54(avg -9.3)

The Lions need to fix their defense, and fast, if they want to grab a decent seed for the playoffs.  The offense is doing its thing nicely, but the inuries to the defense appear as though they are in positions without adequate backups.  If the offense loses any of its potency due to OL injuries or injury to a skill player, it might end the Lions hopes for a deep playoff run.

 

Chicago Bears Grade C

• Net Expected Points: -4.64 (18th)
• Net Yards/Play: 0.0 (14th)
• Power Rating: 100.04 (14th)

 

Offense (Grade C-) – As bad as the Bears were the first 6 weeks, they weren’t that much better in weeks 7-12.  Eberflus is more of an issue than Fields, but they should just blow the whole thing up and start over with Moore & Kmet.

• Point/Game For  19.0 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 4.8 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  10 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.6 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.0 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  36.1%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   15.2% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -3.37 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade B-) – Lost in the Muppet Show that is the Bears offense, is the fact that the Bears defense has played quite well of late.  Creating turnovers and pretty good metrics across the board.

• Points/Game Against  20.0 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  4.8 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  12 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.4 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.3 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   38.6%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  13.2% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -1.27 (avg -9.3)

I think I summarized the Bears in the Offense comments.  There are pieces there in Chicago, but I don’t think the HC or his staff are one of the pieces.  That leaves Fields as an unknown, because perhaps with a different staff, he could be more efficient.  If the draft goes well for Chicago, they could be right back in it next year.  A savvy coaching hire could be the difference.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Grade C-

• Net Expected Points: -16.71 (21st)
• Net Yards/Play: -1.1 (30th)
• Power Rating: 96.37 (26th)

 

Offense (Grade C+) – Baker has done, what Baker normally does.  He plays hard, grinds out points, is difficult to watch, but in the end, is just your run of the mill QB.

• Point/Game For 20.3 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.2(avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  8 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.7 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.6 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  36.3%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   12.9% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  19.2(avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade F) – The Bucs defense is getting shredded by the pass, see the 7.7 pass yards per attempt.  Scoring% of 42%, -36 EP, 6.3 yards/play.  This is some bad defense.

• Points/Game Against  23.7 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  6.3 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  7 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  7.7 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.1 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   42.4%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  9.8% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -35.91 (avg -9.3)

The Bucs have an average offense, with a bad defense.  The play in a bad division so they will stay in a bunch of games.  They simply do not have the skill players right now to beat teams outside their division.  Mayfield is a good bridge to a new QB, but he is not a long term solution.

 

Cincinatti Bengals Grade C-

• Net Expected Points: -15.8 (20th)
• Net Yards/Play: -1.2 (31st)
• Power Rating: 95.29 (27th)

 

Offense (Grade B+) – With Burrow down, they isn’t much to say about the Bengals offense other than see you next season.  These stats and grades will mean nothing as to what you will see the next 6 weeks from this unit.

• Point/Game For  22.4 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.6 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  4 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.3 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.1 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  36.5%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   7.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  36.16 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade F ) – Unfortunately during the next six weeks of watching bad offense, Bengals fans will also get to watch horrendous defense.  Other than creating some turnovers, this defense doesn’t do anything well.

• Points/Game Against  22.8 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  6.8 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  9 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  8.2 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  5.0 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   40.2 %(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  16.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -51.96 (avg -9.3)

With Burrow on IR for the rest of the season, the best thing the Bengals could do is tank.  Unfortunately they already have too many wins for tanking to do a great job.  Honestly the best thing the Bengals can hope for is to lose all 6 games and not get anyone injured doing it.  Wave the white flag on 2023, and bring everyone back healthy for a run in 2024.

Grade D

Los Angeles Rams Grade D

• Net Expected Points: -17.99 (22nd)
• Net Yards/Play: 0.0 (12th)
• Power Rating: 98.95 (17th)

 

Offense (Grade C-) – Stafford’s injury is making these stats a bit worse than the Rams offense actually is.  They are fairly average but can be good on a given day.

• Point/Game For 18.8 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.2 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  6 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt 6 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.4 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  33.3%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   11% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -1 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade D) – The Rams defense hasn’t been bad, just kind of below average.  But compound below average with no turnovers, and you kind of morph into bad, at least statistically.

• Points/Game Against  23.0 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.2 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  4 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.2 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.1 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   36.5%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  7.3% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -21.99 (avg -9.3)

The Rams may not be a good team, but I wouldn’t want to play them on a given Sunday.  You don’t know what flavor you are going to get, but once in a while you get the flavor that scores 35 points against you.  Not much was expected of the Rams this year based on last year, so all in all this has been a pretty nice turnaround without hitting rock bottom for several years.  Not sure what they do when Stafford can’t play anymore, but that is a bridge to cross when they come to it.

 

New England Patriots Grade D

• Net Expected Points: -24.29 (23rd)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.1 (18th)
• Power Rating: 98.70 (19th)

 

Offense (Grade D-) – Mac Jones isn’t an NFL QB, and there is no one on the Pats staff who is capable of organizing and running a modern NFL offense.  The stats say just that.

• Point/Game For  15.2 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 4.9 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  8 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.3 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.6 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  26.5%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   14.9% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -11.73 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade C-) – The Pats defense isn’t bad, it just isn’t good enough to win games given the horrible offense they are paired with.

• Points/Game Against  19.8 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.0 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  8 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.3 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.4 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   31.7%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  13.3% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -12.56 (avg -9.3)

I think the Pats have been a little unlucky to be 2 – 9 with the statistics they have produced.  But even luck only gets them to 4 – 7 at best.  They are going nowhere with the QB room they have, and they just seem to lack speed at every single position somehow.  Do you give a 70 yr old coach a contract long enough for him to fix it?  Even if he does fix it, how much longer can he coach it when it’s fixed?  Tough questions for the Pats to answer in the offseason.

 

Los Angeles Chargers Grade D

• Net Expected Points: -27.25 (26th)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.7 (24th)
• Power Rating: 97.40 (23rd)

 

Offense (Grade D) – How you have a QB as talented as Herbert and produce the stats you are producing is a bit of a wonder.  They still can’t run the ball, but now they can’t pass or protect the ball either.  EP says average but I say this is poor for the talent on this side of the ball.

• Point/Game For  22.7 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.0 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  10 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.7 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.0 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  35.8%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   15.7% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  14.06 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade F ) – This side of the ball is even worse for the Chargers.  Especially since this was the side they thought the HC would fix.

• Points/Game Against  20.9 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.7 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  8 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.5 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.3 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   34.4%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  7.3% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -41.81 (avg -9.3)

Staley has to be on borrowed time.  There is no way to look at the statistics of the offense or the defense and say anything has gotten better in the time he has been there.  All he seemed to add to the recipe is the secret for heartbreaking and mind boggling losses.  The Chargers need to hire some cock sure coach who can go in there and instill confidence into these players.

 

Tennessee Titans Grade D

• Net Expected Points: -30.64 (25th)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.1 (17th)
• Power Rating: 97.41  (22nd)

 

Offense (Grade D+ ) – Nothing the offense does, save not turn it over, is worth watching.

• Point/Game For  16.2 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.1 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  5 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.7 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.0 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  28.4%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   7.6% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -2.52 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade D ) – Nothing the defense does is all that terrible, except they take way too many penalties, the worst kind of penalties, and they don’t force any turnovers.  Besides that, they’re very average.

• Points/Game Against  21.2 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.2 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  3 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.2 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.0 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   40%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  5.7% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -28.12 (avg -9.3)

The Titans seem to be a team with aging stars who didn’t restock the cupboard very well through the draft or FA.  Tannehill is cooked.  Henry has to be on his last legs.  The OL is pretty suspect at times.  The defense is basically chickens running around with their heads cut off.  I am not sure Vrabel survives this, or quite frankly, wants to.  He might be better off jumping ship and heading somewhere with an easier rebuild.

Seattle Seahawks Grade D

• Net Expected Points: -33.27 (26th)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.3 (21st)
• Power Rating: 97.14 (25th)

 

Offense (Grade D) – Geno Smith is regressing faster than my hairline.  The metrics line is all red and white which means average to poor in everything.

• Point/Game For  17.2 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.2 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  10 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.9 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.0 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  32.1%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   12.6% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -8.55 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade D ) – But to keep symmetry, the Seahawks defense has also been poor the past 6 weeks. Giving up 5.2 yards / rush is never going to be good.  It makes beating you too easy.

• Points/Game Against  23.7 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.5 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  8 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.7 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  5.2 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   37.8%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  11.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -24.72 (avg -9.3)

The Seahawks may have overacheived last year and we are seeing more of their true colors this season as it wears on.  They aren’t really bad at anything, but they aren’t really good at anything either.  And if you had to choose either good or bad with nothing in between, you would be forced to say bad.  They can slip in as like a 7th seed, but there is no golden brick road to the Superbowl for this team.

 

Las Vegas Raiders Grade D

• Net Expected Points: -39.38 (27th)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.8 (28th)
• Power Rating: 97.15 (24th)

 

Offense (Grade D-) – The Raiders offense is not pretty or efficient.  It basically just is.  They trot out 11 guys, they do some stuff, they trot off.  Once in a while they score.

• Point/Game For  17.0 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 4.9 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  9 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.4 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.0 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  30.2%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   13.3% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -36.92 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade C ) – The Raiders defense, bless their heart, has been trying.  The are an average to above average unit getting little to no help from their offense.  They can’t really carry the day, but they could keep a team in a game.

• Points/Game Against  20.8 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.7 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  9 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.6 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.5 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   35%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  13.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -2.46 (avg -9.3)

Well the Raiders got way better the past 6 weeks the day they fired McDaniels.  I called for that in the week 6 grades saying the Raiders would never go anywhere with him, and lo and behold, they can the guy and start winning some games.  Look, the Raiders are not a good team and they are not going to the Superbowl.  But they made they best possible move they could in firing that staff, so they are at least on a path back to respectability.

 

New York Giants Grade D

• Net Expected Points: -45.52 (28th)
• Net Yards/Play: -1.2 (32nd)
• Power Rating: 93.52 (31st)

 

Offense (Grade F- ) – DeVito has been ok and a nice story, but this offense is putrid.  The OL is terrible, and the WRs are equally bad.  

• Point/Game For  14.7 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 4.1 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  6 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  4.3 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.0 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  16.8 %(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   5.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -64.55 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade B-) – The Giants defense has been playing quite well.  It is just a shame it is lost in the train wreck that is the offense each week.

• Points/Game Against  20.8 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.3 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  14 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.7 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.5 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   25%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  17.2% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  19.13 (avg -9.3)

Daboll has to come under some scrutiny this off season.  Whether he throws some staff under the bus, or blames it on injuries, he is going to have to fight to keep his job.  The rumor he is squabbling with his DC is even more worrying, as that is the only side of the ball working in any capacity right now.  This could be the beginning of a long rebuild for the Giants.

 

GRADE F

Carolina Panthers Grade F

• Net Expected Points: -57.37 (29th)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.5 (22nd)
• Power Rating: 94.00 (29th)

 

Offense (Grade F- ) – Looking at these numbers it is hard to make a case that Reich deserved to stay.  Just ugly, on top of ugly, with a pinch of ugly tossed in.

• Point/Game For  12.2 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 3.8 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  6 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  3.9 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.5 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  26%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   11.9% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -49.82 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade C ) – The Panthers defense, somehow, played fairly well the past 6 weeks given the fact that the offense apparently didn’t even play during the games. 

• Points/Game Against  22.1 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  4.3 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  2 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.1 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.5 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   36.1%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  3% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -7.55 (avg -9.3)

This is another team facing significant change in the off season.  Young is going nowhere, but everyone else’s head should considered to be on the chopping block.  There are no skilled players outside Young & Burns worth talking about.  It must be really hard to watch 3 hours of this every Sunday as a Panthers fan.

 

Washington Commanders Grade F

• Net Expected Points: -60.47 (30th)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.6 (25th)
• Power Rating: 93.68 (30th)

 

Offense (Grade C- ) – Sam Howell is a decent to above average qb.  The rest of the skill positions and the OL are pretty barren.

• Point/Game For  18.8 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 5.5 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  12 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.8 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.7 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  29%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   15.3% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -7.13 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade F-) – The unit absolutely stinks, ever worse so since Rivera is a defensive guy.  7.2 yds per pass attempt and -53 EP tells you all you need to know.

• Points/Game Against  29.0 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  6.1 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  5 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  7.2 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.2 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   39.4%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  5.5% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -53.34 (avg -9.3)

Clearly there is going to be massive change in Washington come the off season.  Do you give Bieniemy a shot at HC based on Howell’s performance, or do you just clean house and start completely anew.  I think Josh Harris is going with the clean house, get my guys in here direction.  That means almost anyone on the roster and staff could be gone save those players who’s contracts prohibit it financially.

 

New York Jets Grade F

• Net Expected Points: -72.91 (31st)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.6 (24th)
• Power Rating: 94.81 (28th)

 

Offense (Grade F— ) – I mean, what can you say about the stats this offense put up for the past 6 weeks.  10 ppg, 3.9 yds/play, 12 turnovers, and an eye popping -89.49 EP.

• Point/Game For  10.0 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 3.9 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  12 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  3.9 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  3.8 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  18.8%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   17.7% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -89.49 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade B, without the offense Grade A ) – Everyone on the Jets defense should be paid double.  How they put up decent stats with the offense doing everything in their power to sabotage the defense deserves a tip of the cap.

• Points/Game Against  23.4 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  4.5 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  6 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  5.1 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.0 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   34.4%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  9.6% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  16.58 (avg -9.3)

I am worried about Saleh.  He seems to have turned over control of his team to Aaron Rogers.  He also seems to fiddle while Rome burns.  I think the best thing for Saleh and the Jets would be for Saleh to go on an epic paint peeling rant calling out how poorly they have played this year, how the keep making the same mistakes, and how they keep taking the same stupid penalties.  There can be only one captain of the ship, and I am really not sure if that is Saleh or Rogers right now.

 

Arizona Cardinals Grade F

• Net Expected Points: -95.55 (32nd)
• Net Yards/Play: -0.9 (29th)
• Power Rating: 93.23 (32nd)

 

Offense (Grade F) – The Cardinals are a mess on offense.  Tune was a disaster, and Murray hasn’t shown much on his return.  4.3 yards per pass attempt is atrocious.

• Point/Game For  14.8 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play 4.4 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  8 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  4.3 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.3 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %  23.9%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %   10.1% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -51.79 (avg 9.3)

Defense (Grade F ) – At the Cardinals are balanced;  their defense stinks as bad as their offense.  It’s the better unit of the two but that is like picking out the most handsome pig in the pen.

• Points/Game Against  26.5 (avg 21.4)
• Yards/Play  5.3 (avg 5.3)
• Turnovers  7 (avg 7.9)
• Yards/Pass Attempt  6.3 (avg 6.1)
• Rush Yards/Att  4.5 (avg 4.3)
• Scoring %   40.1%(avg 35.1%)
• Turnover %  9% (avg 12.0%)
• Expected Points  -43.76 (avg -9.3)

I don’t think anyone really expected the Cardinals to be good in 2023, but I don’t think many thought they would be this bad.  I was skeptical about the Gannon hire simply due to the way he spoke during press conferences and interviews you read.  He doesn’t seem to be a great communicator.  I think this is a skill an NFL Head Coach  must have and have it in excess if they want to be successful.  Nothing has gotten better under Gannon, and that has to be a worry for Cardinals fans.