NFL: Offensive Coordinators in the Spotlight, Season Analysis

As we delve into the second half of the 2025 NFL season, we’ve witnessed the ups and downs of offensive coordinators and play-callers across the league. In this comprehensive analysis, we explore what has worked, what hasn’t, and the keys to success for each offense.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Offensive Coordinator: Joe Brady Play Caller: Joe Brady

What has worked? The Bills’ ground attack. James Cook III is having a standout season, averaging 102.2 yards per game, and the Bills lead the league in rushing yards per game with 153.2. When this offense performs at its best, it’s thanks to its running game, led by the offensive line.

What has failed? The passing game. The Bills have not been able to consistently advance the ball, due to the lack of wide receivers and play design, which has led Josh Allen to force passes in certain situations. This has led to an increase in turnovers and sacks on Allen (20 as of Week 11, six more than in the entire last season).

Key for the second half: Getting the passing game into rhythm, as demonstrated in the victory against the Buccaneers. The receivers need to be more reliable for Allen, who must make better decisions more consistently. Overall, this offense must find ways to make the most of its best player, Allen, and all his skills.

Miami Dolphins

Offensive Coordinator: Frank Smith Play caller: Mike McDaniel

What has worked? The Dolphins scored on all 12 goal-to-go opportunities in the first 10 games, after doing so 72% of the time in 2024. De’Von Achane is also on track to reach a career high in both rushing yards and total yards, and has established himself as one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NFL.

What has failed? Essentially, everything else. Miami is among the worst in the league in yards per game and scoring; quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is among the league leaders in interceptions thrown and on pace to set a personal record in that category; and Tyreek Hill still ranks third on the team in receiving yards despite playing only four games before his season ended due to a knee injury.

Key for the second half: Someone other than receiver Jaylen Waddle and Achane needs to step up as a consistent option in the passing game. Tagovailoa must also rediscover the “conviction” with which he played when he led the NFL in passing yards in 2023. There aren’t many superlatives left to play for, but the players and coaches must show that the core of this team is still worth building around, with a crucial offseason ahead.

New England Patriots

Offensive Coordinator: Josh McDaniels Play-caller: Josh McDaniels

What has worked? Practically everything. Quarterback Drake Maye is playing MVP-caliber football in his first season in McDaniels’ system and recently said: “He’s done it his whole life, and I feel like he was put on this world to be an offensive coordinator. It’s fun to be on the headset with him.”

What has failed? The Patriots’ red zone offense entered Week 11 ranked in the middle of the pack (No. 18). This reflects, in part, the lack of a powerful and consistent running game.

Key for the second half: Continuity on the offensive line. The Patriots started the same offensive line in 10 of their first 11 games, which allowed the group to build chemistry in front of Maye. The offensive line was a major concern at the start of the season, having ranked 31st and 32nd in pass block win rate in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Although the stats don’t necessarily suggest it (21st in PBWR), the offensive line has decidedly improved in 2025 and continuity helps.

New York Jets

Offensive Coordinator: Tanner Engstrand Play Caller: Tanner Engstrand

What has worked? The Jets predicted they would be a good running team, and they were right. They entered Week 11 ranked fourth in rushing yards per game (142), thanks to Breece Hall and a physical offensive line. Opponents overplay the run, but the Jets still find success against eight-man boxes.

What has failed? Everything else, especially the passing game led by Justin Fields. The Jets average only 130.5 yards per game, which would be the worst mark since the 2022 Bears. Those Bears were led by, you guessed it: Justin Fields. His deficiencies, combined with the lack of playmakers, have made Engstrand’s job very difficult.

Key for the second half: The Jets are likely doomed due to poor quarterback play, but Engstrand can help the situation by calling for more passes with play action. Despite a strong running game, they rank in the bottom third in the use of play action, according to NFL Next Gen stats. Another key: Giving newly acquired receiver Adonai Mitchell the opportunity to show what he can do.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Offensive Coordinator: Todd Monken Play caller: Todd Monken

What has worked? The Ravens continue to rank among the best rushing attacks in the NFL, totaling the fourth-most rushing yards (142 per game) despite not running much with quarterback Lamar Jackson. With running backs Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore has been explosive in producing a run of 10 or more yards on 15.7% of their carries, the highest in the NFL.

What has failed? The Ravens’ offensive line, especially guards Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele, has been a disappointment. Baltimore has already allowed more sacks (30) in its first nine games than in the entire last season (24). When pressured, Jackson’s QBR has fallen to 14.2, which ranks him 23rd in the NFL.

Key for the second half: Keeping Jackson healthy. It’s a different offense when Jackson has the ball in his hands. In seven games with Jackson as the starting quarterback, the Ravens averaged 29.8 points. In the three games Jackson was out with a hamstring injury, Baltimore was held to 14.3 points per game.

Cincinnati Bengals

Offensive Coordinator: Dan Pitcher Play caller: Zac Taylor

What has worked? Getting Joe Flacco has been a masterclass for the Bengals. Since they signed the veteran quarterback, Cincinnati had the number 1 offense until Week 10. From Week 6 to Week 10, Cincinnati led the NFL in points per game (32.8) and in expected offensive points added per play.

What went wrong? Things didn’t look good initially, even when starting quarterback Joe Burrow was healthy. It’s difficult to blame all the team’s problems on backup quarterback Jake Browning, who was relegated to the bench after struggling in three starts. The running game faltered early before finding its rhythm later in the season.

Key for the second half: Protecting the starting quarterback and running an offense that makes life easier for the passing attack will be critical. Cincinnati has had success when lining up under center, which seems to have helped the offense find a rhythm with Flacco at quarterback. In Weeks 6-10, Cincinnati ranked 19th in pass block win rate and third in yards per carry (5.5).Cleveland CafesOffensive Coordinator: Tommy Rees Play caller: Tommy Rees

What has worked? Coach Kevin Stefanski has once again handed play-calling duties to his offensive coordinator. The Browns scored only 20 points in Rees’ first game as play-caller, but Cleveland has limited its turnovers. The Browns have had three turnovers with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders under center, compared to eight in veteran Joe Flacco’s four starts.

What has failed? The Browns throw the ball as much as any team in the NFL (36 attempts per game through Week 10, the sixth most in the NFL), but they can’t advance the ball with any success (5 yards per attempt, the lowest in the league). Poor blocking hasn’t helped, as Cleveland is among the worst in pass blocking win rate.

Key for the second half: Run the ball to take pressure off the quarterback. The Browns have found a bit of identity behind rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, who leads the team in rushing yards. However, Cleveland needs to be more efficient than their 4-yard average, which is among the worst in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Offensive Coordinator: Arthur Smith Play caller: Arthur Smith

What has worked? It’s difficult to determine concrete things that have worked for the Steelers’ offense due to the unit’s inconsistency in the first half of the season. Outside of last week’s loss to the Chargers, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has played well in Smith’s system. He has been more effective using short passes to playmakers capable of gaining yards after the reception. Of course, the loss to the Chargers exposed the 41-year-old’s weaknesses: inaccurate deep balls and declining mobility. To make matters worse, the initial concern on Sunday was that Rodgers suffered a slight fracture in his left wrist.

What has failed? By far the most recurring problem has been the Steelers’ problems on third down and the inability to sustain offensive drives. As of Week 11, the Steelers had converted 36% of their third downs, but from Weeks 8 to 10, the Steelers ranked 31st in conversion percentage with 21%.

Key for the second half: Give running back Jaylen Warren more touches. Mike Tomlin said that can’t happen unless the Steelers start converting more third downs, but increasing Warren’s usage could lead to better conversion rates. Against the Chargers, Warren averaged 5.7 yards per touch, but only had 16 touches (14 carries, 2 receptions) and wasn’t on the field for a single third down. With his explosive and physical style, Warren is capable of being the Steelers’ most consistent big-play creator, but he needs to get more opportunities for that to happen.

AFC South

Houston Texans

Offensive Coordinator: Nick Caley Play-caller: Nick Caley

What has worked? The Texans’ pass protection has improved. Entering Week 11, they had allowed 21 sacks (18th), compared to last season when they allowed quarterback C.J. Stroud to be sacked 52 times (the second-most). It’s not perfect, but it’s more competent.

What has failed? The offense has been inconsistent. Some weeks, Houston has looked good, like in Week 5 against the Ravens, when it scored 44 points, and in Week 10, when it scored 29 points. But other weeks, like Week 9, it only scores 15.

Key for the second half: Play better against better teams. The Texans have the eleventh toughest remaining schedule and need their offense to play up to its level in those stellar matchups. Their defense entered Week 11 as the No. 1 unit in the NFL, so we can expect that to continue. But to win those games, the offense must rise to the challenge.

Indianapolis Colts

Offensive Coordinator: Jim Bob Cooter Play caller: Shane Steichen

What has worked? Almost everything. Through Week 10, quarterback Daniel Jones led the NFL in passing yards and running back Jonathan Taylor was the leader in rushing. The offense is producing at levels not seen since Peyton Manning & Co. were demolishing opponents weekly in the mid-2000s. Three pass targets, Tyler Warren, Alec Pierce, and Michael Pittman Jr., are on pace to reach 1,000 yards per season.

What has failed? Lately, too much pressure has been allowed against Jones. That has led to a sharp increase in turnovers in the last two games, which has put the Colts in very difficult positions. Surprisingly, 12 of Jones’ 21 sacks have occurred in the last two games against the Steelers and Falcons. As a result, he committed fumbles on sacks in each of them.

Key for the second half: Clean up the protection and keep turnovers under control. The driving force behind the Colts’ fast offensive start was their turnover margin and the quarterback’s clean pockets. Jones was able to operate without impediments, and that led to accurate throws in large passing windows due to good play design. If the Colts maintain the turnover trend in the final stretch against teams like Kansas City, Seattle, and San Francisco, things could change.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Offensive Coordinator: Grant Udinski Play-caller: Liam Coen

What has worked? Offensive points per game are up (20.6 compared to 17.9 in 2024) and turnovers are down (nine in 10 weeks compared to 15 in 10 weeks in 2024). Running back Travis Etienne Jr. has been the most consistent and best player, which has helped overcome some of the issues in the passing game. He entered Week 11 on pace to reach a career-high 1,152 yards. Rookie running backs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. have shined, and receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter emerged as the top pass-catcher until his knee injury ended his season.

What has failed? Yards per game, pass protection numbers, and third-down conversions have decreased compared to last season. The Jaguars led the NFL in drops (20) through the first 10 weeks, and receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has struggled with that (5) and has fallen behind Hunter as the team’s top receiver. Injuries have also been a major problem. Hunter has finished the season, and receivers Thomas, Dyami Brown, Parker Washington, and Tim Patrick; tight end Brenton Strange; and offensive linemen Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, and Anton Harrison have also been injured.

Key for the second half: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has to lead the offense. Coen has urged Lawrence to play with more freedom, to let loose and let it fly are the terms he used, and to stop worrying about mistakes and turnovers. It won’t be easy with a group of bruised pass catchers, but that’s what franchise quarterbacks are supposed to do.

Tennessee Titans

Offensive Coordinator: Nick Holz Play Caller: Bo Hardegree

What has worked? The offensive newcomers have shown flashes of a bright future, even though the interim coaching staff won’t be around to reap the benefits. Wide receivers Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike and tight end Gunnar Helm have built a solid chemistry with quarterback Cam Ward. Each of them has caught a touchdown pass from Ward. Left guard Peter Skoronski has taken a big step towards establishing himself as an All-Pro player and can anchor the offensive line in the future.

What went wrong? Well, Brian Callahan, the head coach who was fired after six games, started the season as the play-caller before handing over duties to Hardegree after an 0-3 start. Fast forward to Week 11, and the Titans entered the week last in the league in scoring (14.4 points per game). The lack of success early in drives consistently puts the Titans in third-and-long situations, which is a major factor for Tennessee’s NFL-worst 3.7 third-down conversions per game. The Titans also allowed a league-high 38 sacks per game through Week 10.

Key for the second half: The second half of the season is about developing Ward. The staff needs to focus on ways to emphasize what Ward does best: Finding balance on offense will help improve the third-down conversion rate and put together longer drives, which in turn will lead to more opportunities for everyone.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

Offensive Coordinator: Joe Lombardi Play-caller: Sean Payton

What has worked? It starts with the Broncos with a 9-2 record, tied for the best in the AFC, thanks in large part to one of the best defenses in the league. They have a 4-0 record in games where they trailed at the start of the final quarter, including a remarkable 33-point final quarter in the 33-32 victory over the New York Giants in Week 7. They have been productive enough on offense in moments of need to have six wins by eight or fewer points.

What has failed? Besides a special teams unit that has had more than its share of errors, this team’s offense is disorganized. Quarterback Bo Nix’s erratic footwork has made him one of the least accurate passers in the league (30th in off-target attempts through Week 11). The Broncos run the ball well (top 10 in rushing), but they choose not to do so for extended periods of time. And they had the second-most offensive penalties in the league through the first 10 weeks with 52 penalties (including declined penalties).

Key for the second half: Whether the team, including Payton, is simply working harder with Nix as a second-year starter or expects him to run more of the playbook with more competition, the Broncos risk wasting one of the best defensive seasons in franchise history if they don’t get things working more smoothly on offense. Nix is obviously uncomfortable at times with the scheme, while his footwork and choices in the pocket are not as consistent as they were last season. So, maybe the Broncos can run the ball more, with some play action, to calm things down or maybe go back to a menu of things he feels comfortable doing. But the past month has looked suspiciously like everyone involved in the offense is banging their collective heads against the wall.

Kansas City Chiefs

Offensive Coordinator: Matt Nagy Play-caller: Andy Reid

What has worked? In his 27th season as head coach, Reid has largely made the right decision to trust quarterback Patrick Mahomes and be ultra-aggressive on fourth down, especially by his usual standard. Entering Week 11, the Chiefs had converted 16 of their 20 fourth-down attempts, a key to the offense’s success.

What has failed? The Chiefs still haven’t found a way to get more production from their running back trio in Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and rookie Brashard Smith. Hunt has been more effective in short-yardage situations, but the Chiefs should lean more on screen passes for Smith, who offers the most dynamic ability of the group.

Key for the second half: Rashee Rice has looked like a number 1 receiver since returning after his six-game suspension. The offense should be built around Rice and tight end Travis Kelce, who is having a good season at 36 years old. If Rice and Kelce can be consistent and effective, Mahomes should have more opportunities to throw deep passes to receivers Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, and Hollywood Brown.

Las Vegas Raiders

Offensive Coordinator: Chip Kelly Play caller: Chip Kelly

What has worked? Really nothing. Even after the Raiders hired Kelly, the offense has continued to be one of the worst units in football. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has the potential to be an elite playmaker in the future. He has seven total touchdowns. Wide receiver Tre Tucker is on the verge of having a career season. In 10 weeks, Tucker had 34 receptions for 455 yards and four touchdowns.

What has failed? Basically everything. Las Vegas entered Week 11 ranked 31st in points (15.4), 30th in total yards (272.7), 29th in rushing yards (87.4), 30th in EPA (minus 52.64), and 28th in red zone efficiency (47.8%). Quarterback Geno Smith had thrown the second-most interceptions (12). Tight end Brock Bowers has only been fully healthy for three games, and the Raiders have two starting offensive linemen on injured reserve (left tackle Kolton Miller and right guard Jackson Powers-Johnson).Key to the second half: First, Smith will need to limit turnovers so the Raiders can sustain offensive drives and keep the defense out of short-yardage situations. Las Vegas should continue using 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TE), creating opportunities for tight ends Bowers and Michael Mayer. The offense will also benefit from Jeanty being more involved in the passing game, as it allows him to create in open space.

Los Angeles Chargers