NFL Catch-Up

Welcome to another episode of NFL Catch Up, a recap of the opinions and analysis from national experts across the NFL podcasting landscape -- delivering you a weekly catch-up of the most interesting takes from around the NFL. We drop NFL Catch-Up every Friday morning all year long across the major podcast platforms. You can find us on X at nfl underscore catch up. We're also available on YouTube and on the web at nflcatchup.com.
Let's dive into the Los Angeles Chargers' running game struggles under new offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Through six games, the Chargers rank twenty fourth in expected points added per play on rushing attempts and twenty seventh in success rate. This is particularly concerning given that Roman was brought in specifically to establish a consistent ground attack. While there have been flashes of potential, like their performance against Carolina in Week two, the consistency just isn't there. The Cardinals game really highlighted these issues, with the Chargers posting their lowest rushing total of the season at just fifty one yards on designed runs. The film shows execution problems across the board - from missed blocks by the offensive line to tight ends failing to seal edges, and even running backs missing their cuts.
Speaking of running attacks, interesting developments in San Francisco where the forty niners are evaluating their offensive weapons heading into the trade deadline. While Christian McCaffrey is expected to return from his Achilles tendinitis next month, depth at running back remains a concern. The team could look to add someone like Miles Sanders from Carolina, who excels as a receiver out of the backfield - a crucial element in Kyle Shanahan's offense. The forty niners also have decisions to make at tight end, where George Kittle's health has been a recurring issue this season.
Shifting our focus to Green Bay, we could finally see a high-volume passing attack from Jordan Love against Jacksonville this week. The Jaguars have emerged as the league's most pronounced pass funnel defense, with opponents consistently throwing more than their typical rate. They're giving up the NFL's highest dropback EPA while being stout against the run. The Packers showed increased comfort letting Love air it out last week with thirty seven dropbacks against Houston. This sets up nicely for receivers like Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs to potentially see significant target volume.
A fascinating matchup brewing in Cleveland, where Jameis Winston will get the start against Baltimore's defense. The Ravens have established themselves as the second most extreme pass funnel in the league, essentially forcing teams to throw by shutting down the run. Baltimore's opponents have exceeded their expected pass rate by at least seven percent in four of seven games this season. This could lead to substantial volume for Browns pass catchers David Njoku and Jerry Jeudy, though Winston's aggressive style adds an element of volatility.
Looking at defensive line play, the forty niners are thin at defensive end behind Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd. With Yetur Gross Matos dealing with a knee injury, they're relying heavily on inexperienced players Sam Okuayinonu and Robert Beal Junior. This could prompt San Francisco to explore the trade market, where several intriguing options might be available - from veterans like Za'Darius Smith and Calais Campbell to younger players like Azeez Ojulari.
The Miami Dolphins' offense faces an interesting test against Arizona this week. The Cardinals have become increasingly vulnerable through the air, with their last four opponents all exceeding their expected pass rate by at least five percent. Arizona is allowing the NFL's third highest completion rate over expected, which could set up well for Miami's explosive passing attack featuring Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
A critical development in Chicago's offensive approach has emerged over the past three games. The Bears have shifted to a more run-heavy attack, operating five percent below their expected dropback rate. This has had a significant impact on the passing game, with an average of just two hundred and twenty nine passing yards per game at five point nine air yards per attempt - the lowest mark in the league since Week four. This shift has implications for the entire offense's production and how defenses might adjust their game plans against Chicago.
In Denver, we're seeing a potential renaissance in the ground game with Javonte Williams. The Broncos face a Carolina defense that's allowing the fourth highest rushing success rate and the third lowest rushing stuff rate at thirty four percent. No team has faced more rushing attempts than the Panthers this season, setting up what could be another strong performance for Williams as Denver's lead back.
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