Key Highlights
- The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense is struggling and can be fixed with better communication and coordination.
- The Dallas Cowboys defense is broken beyond repair due to the trade of a key edge rusher and lack of star power.
- The New York Jets have immense talent but struggle under head coach Aaron Glenn and coordinator Steve Wilks’s coaching duo.
- The Denver Broncos need to improve their offensive line and quicken their pace to unlock their potential.
- The Arizona Cardinals’ offense is inconsistent, needing Murray and Harrison Jr. to get on the same page for success.
Philadelphia Eagles: Fixing an Inept Offense
The Philadelphia Eagles have faced a significant drop in their offensive performance this season, ranking 30th in yards, 15th in points, and 23rd in EPA per play. Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks highlights the need for better communication among players like quarterback Jalen Hurts, receiver A.J. Brown, and tight end Dallas Goedert.
Under first-year coordinator Kevin Patullo, the Eagles are searching for an identity that aligns with their ultra-talented lineup.
The OC suggests focusing on a running game that mixes traditional downhill runs with RPOs (Read-Option Passes), designed quarterback keepers, and “Tush Push” concepts. A dynamic aerial attack could also be developed by tapping into the playmaking talents of Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Goedert.
Dallas Cowboys: An Unfixable Defense
The Dallas Cowboys’ defense has struggled this season, ranking last in total yards allowed, pass yards per game, and passer rating allowed. The trade of a perennial Pro Bowl edge rusher (Micah Parsons) significantly impacted the defensive scheme proposed by coordinator Matt Eberflus.
Eberflus relies on maximum coverage with a four-man rush but lacks the disruptive front line to force quarterbacks into poor decisions or errant throws. With key defenders sidelined and few options available, the Cowboys’ defense faces an uphill battle against high-powered offenses in 2025. This issue makes it nearly impossible for Eberflus to craft a winning game plan despite the team’s defensive personnel.
New York Jets: Coaching Dilemma Under Aaron Glenn
Head coach Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks have struggled to unlock the immense talent of the New York Jets’ defense, which features former first-team All-Pros at marquee positions like Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. The coaching duo’s schematic pairing, with divergent approaches to coverage, has not produced desired results.
Glenn prefers aggressive press-man coverage from his time as Lions DC, while Wilks is more of a zone proponent. This mismatch may have led to the Jets’ ranking 28th in scoring defense, 27th in sacks, and last in takeaways. Until Williams and Gardner play like dominant defenders again, the unit will continue to struggle against top offenses.
Denver Broncos: Offensive Line and Tempo Key
The Denver Broncos offense has managed a 4-2 record despite ranking poorly in points per game (21.7), yards per play (5.3), and first downs per game (19.3). The defense, however, ranks second in points allowed per game (15.8).
Offensive coordinator Sean Payton acknowledges the team’s offensive woes but suggests a solution: quickening their pace and playing at a faster tempo to dictate terms against opposing defenses. The Broncos need to improve protection within the pocket and create bigger creases on running plays, with J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey leading the charge.
Arizona Cardinals: Murray-Harrison Connection
The Arizona Cardinals’ offense has struggled without a consistent connection between Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr., despite the duo’s potential. The team relies heavily on checkdowns, limiting explosive plays in the passing game.
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing must instruct Murray to take deep shots to Harrison, leveraging the 6-foot-3, 220-pound receiver’s size and jump-ball skills. Murray should also tap into his improvisational abilities outside of the pocket to generate big plays. Until these strategies are implemented, Arizona’s offensive struggles will continue in 2025.
