How 1 Quarter Caused the NFL's Scoring Decline

[@buccaneers]

Todd Bowles is just that guy.

[@dr.pigskin]

He really is! What a home run hire for Tampa Bay

[@BENgalFan1369]

Wait is this frfr the bucs social media dude

[@stuffanimalsfnaf4363]

That’s crazy lmao the BUCCANEERS commented 😭😂😭🤯😭👀 u going places for sure Mr.Pigskin

[@brittaneymaggard9641]

@@BENgalFan1369I think

[@SycoticForeverNeverAF]

To be fair mahomes carved up tod bowls in embarrassing fashion the next time they played lmao

[@BlackNerdMagic]

For me this solidifies why the Legion Of Boom defense in 2013 is one of the very best in NFL history. Being able to shut down teams during the midst of all the advantage shifting to the offense is a monumental feat.

[@JohnGramer06]

Billie Stephens explained this really well. An extra box defender to stop the run, stock Cover 3, an elite free safety who can cover both sidelines at once (like Earl Thomas), and great defensive backs. Brandon Staley in 2020 designed a scheme using the Tite Front that does the same job.

[@neomarioism]

same with the 2015 broncos. going against big ben, tom brady, and MVP cam newton on their superbowl run

[@Crafty-Cam1992]

Back then safeties could still light up receivers so Kam chancellor was an enforce and could hit.

[@legacy_the_archer]

The 49ers of those years had the inverse defense mindset , They were by far the best run defense in recent memory but in the end it didnt matter because The LOB had what mattered .

[@vegasailor1309]

And the league created more rules to hinder defenses because of the LOB.

[@Slayer727]

Something I'd like to note, Todd Bowles didn't wait until the Super Bowl to implement the strategy. Check the second half of that KC/Tampa game. The seeds were sown then.

[@o0usf0o]

Yup! Bowles figured them out and people forgot that the Bucs were coming back in that game.

[@delopez4438]

People like the cheifs

[@seandillon1359]

We almost came back. If the game had 1 more quarter. The best second half adjustment I’ve ever seen

[@newerest1]

Mahomes was a legitimate superhero in that game. That was one of the most important games in the history of NFL. It was truly amazing.

[@THEREDHOTWRECK]

If the officiating crew wasn't trying to fix for Brady, they wouldn't have made it to the Super Bowl much less win it

[@Calvin1991yadigg]

If you’re patient enough seemingly everyone can move the ball in between the twenties. The Meta is have a QB that can improvise and create passing opportunities in the redzone when it gets tight and has to be accounted for in the run game, and have a creative offensive scheme that can incorporate RPO’s.. This vid captures that perfectly

[@georgerojas1949]

Facts, there are probably more than 15 qbs in the league that I think with the right ppl around could compete for a ring. Also defense is wildly underrated in team success perceived by the media and fans

[@dongdoodler]

You need an insane o-line or a goated qb/skilled position players who make room when there is none for sure in the redzone. But it is kinda funny seeing the teams that cant even move the ball in the middle of the feild, like how bad is that offense with all that space

[@yoboychris4149]

Meta?? Bro this not a video game

[@Calvin1991yadigg]

@@yoboychris4149 but football is a GAME and games have metas that can be exploited

[@kevpsp101]

@@yoboychris4149 Meta stands for Most Effective Tactics Available, and while the gaming sphere uses that word the most, it has many applications outside it too.

[@UriAviani]

this shows that the chiefs knew this when they traded hill and basicly their whole reciver group, they knew they needed a change after the changes in the NFL after they got beat in the AFC championchip by the bengals. In my opinion, the change in the big play frequency actully helps the enjoyment because their more valuable. Really enjoyd this, great video!

[@Gdub33]

You're giving way too much credit to the Chiefs lol

[@UriAviani]

@@Gdub33 ok

[@ParkerBG]

@@Gdub33 KC won back to back Super Bowls by doing that.. they deserve even more credit

[@Gdub33]

@@ParkerBG lol. Do you or the OP not know what wr they picked up in the draft this year? Hahahaha. Yep it was complete strategy by the coaches and front office to let go of tyreek hill. They did that because they were forecasting on how the NFL was shifting 😉🤣😂🤣 🙄 They won 2 Superbowls back to back because of their QB and their TE. Just stop man, you're making me laugh at you two.

[@therandom58]

@@ParkerBGYeah bc they saved money and spent it on defense. It’s not bc they knew that their big play potential was destroyed already. That’s why they just drafted the fastest receiver ever.

[@harrymills2770]

It's always been this way in the NFL. Defenses eventually catch up. It was because the KC O-Line was being dominated by the TB D-Line that they could play shell. KC's OTs were being dominated. TB didn't fear the run and Mahomes had no time to throw. They could mostly play off and come crashing, because they knew the ball was coming out quickly.

[@introvertedextrovertedtraver]

In reference to the SB the chief Oline got injured just before the superbowl where 2 starters went down.

[@LuckyAJC]

​@@introvertedextrovertedtraverwasn't it more them that? I think a couple of the backups also went down, had some 3rd stringers out there

[@nautgamingnautgaming9949]

I really agree with Harry mills It's teams CANT throw deep because the pass rush talent is much superior to the offensive line talent currently Literally a top 3 offensive lineman last year was ALMOST 43 years old That speaks volumes This also explains the rash of qb n running back injuries

[@dreb5089]

The Bucs got the blueprint in their first matchup. They outscored them after that first quarter 24-10 when they started playing 2 high.

[@itsmeflacko1618]

​@@dreb5089bruh the chiefs was up by damn near 30. If they was figured out they wouldn't have put up 27 first quarter points 😂

[@ChumblesMumbles]

Teams also are simultaneously de-valuing the running game and running backs as well as run-blocking traits in o-linemen, so when the passing game struggles or isn't putting up big yards and big points, they no longer even have the tools available to switch up to a heavier run game.

[@hiLaywell]

This was a REALLY good video. Completely opened my eyes to a new dimension of the game and what's been happening with it. Extremely well researched and put together. Love this content and I can't wait to see more like it! Dr. Pigskin knows ball.

[@Michael-sb8jf]

And the Chiefs traded away Hill and signed two decent WR's and dinked and dunked their way to 2 more superbowls

[@moalston4203]

Dink and dunked huh

[@moalston4203]

They just adjusted and proved he didn't need A star receiver to win

[@epicphailure88]

@@moalston4203 Brady won SBs dinking and dunking.

[@moalston4203]

@@epicphailure88 he did true but people get mad that fact

[@moalston4203]

@@epicphailure88 true but mahomes throws the ball deep more time than Brady

[@BrothamanASMR]

I've been waiting for someone to make a video on this topic for years. Good work, you took the time and really put a lot into this. Thank you

[@jt8696.]

I was literally about to make this comment but you already did lol. I've been waiting for a real good one on this too

[@steph_566]

You should watch Brett koleman. He made a video about this at the beginning of the season. This guy did a pretty good job covering it too

[@jt8696.]

@steph_566 hell yeah I enjoyed that one too. I appreciate when people dive into some x's and o's

[@kylescott9529]

Additional point: Defenses were so blitz and man heavy in the past (at the early part and prior to the 2010s) because the best QBs would dice them up if they played zone. Brady was the king of this. I think the NFL saw the Giants beat Brady twice by having a relentless pass rush and assumed “I must pressure the QB by any means necessary”. I wonder if DCs went that route because they assumed “we are gonna get scored on anyways” so they took an aggressive approach to try and get TOs. Also the blitz heavy, single-high, man-coverages are a lot less attractive if your offense also sucks and you are down by 14+ and aren’t forcing the other teams offense to pass. Meanwhile if you have an awesome offense and get UP by 14+ you can send the house and scar a QB for life 😅.

[@BigGaggle]

Very good points. I would like to also add that the Chiefs played a decent amount of man this year. So it can still be done with the right personal

[@zachariahsmith9130]

Who are you making sense and understanding football???

[@theclades3967]

Also I feel like defensive line play has gotten much better over time. I feel like it is much easier to get home with 4 as D linemen have become quicker and more agile to work around the o line. These more maneuverable D linemen/edge rusher are likely a result of less run heavy offenses.

[@zachariahsmith9130]

@theclades3967 valid point!!! Meanwhile offensive line skill is plummeting so put 2 and 2 together.

[@stuffanimalsfnaf4363]

This video was so good it really helped me understand why the NFL is less scoring but yeah defenses have truly gotten better and picked up what offenses do and how to play against them.

[@dr.pigskin]

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it!

[@mikemike6182]

this suck for the audience and NFL knew it, thats why they make it harder to tackle next season

[@marcusrudolph5961]

Nfl defenses now just give up unlimited yards and trying to give up 3

[@pathutchison7688]

I noticed in the Super Bowl that Mahomes didn’t make those crazy creative plays anymore. Now he just makes the right read and walk the offense down field with high percentage passes. He’s still the best QB I’ve ever seen.

[@rogerl6212]

Brady is better.

[@BossKing1243]

@@rogerl6212”i’ve ever seen”

[@null_reference]

​@@rogerl6212only in stats. Mahomes has more raw talent

[@KeegoTheWise]

@@rogerl6212 brady fans are so tiresome with their insecurity

[@andrewkiehlbauch]

@@null_reference best thing is mahomes is way better statistically per year than brady ever was

[@BENgalFan1369]

Dawg talked ab his first Chick-fil-A like his first time performing coitus, never chabge doctor! 😂

[@dr.pigskin]

Out of every comment I’ve ever received, I think this one has made me laugh the most 😂 thanks for watching!

[@yeshuaisking1247]

Ironically that just made it easier for the chiefs to win, because Patrick can adapt the best to the new defenses that were created to beat him, while others haven't managed to adapt as well. That's crazy.

[@lydiavalentino]

And with the additions of Xavier Worthy & Hollywood Brown, the Chiefs are re-opening the possibility of going back to just beating defenses downfield. The Chiefs didn't find themselves in an easier situation, they just adapted.

[@dr.pigskin]

Wow, seems like this video has taken off, thank you to everyone for watching! I appreciate all of the kind words and feedback, I’m glad you guys enjoy this, and your feedback and input is how I get better. Let’s keep it rocking and rolling!

[@sauravgiri7810]

One of the best NFL videos I've seen. The evolution of football is beautiful to watch. Great work!

[@WarEagleGaming]

Mahomes and the Chiefs were so good that the entire NFL changed the way they played defense just to stop them and other high flying offenses. And they still won back to back Superbowls.

[@mistersunshine1330]

Because they actually played like a real team. Instead of bazookaing their way down the field

[@netconner]

I think the Tampa Super Bowl also changed them forever. They learned that tyreek was expendable and invested heavily on defense in the draft. If you go and look at how well they’ve drafted since 2020 it’s absurd

[@HitByAPlane]

Yeah because they went and completely changed the way offense played and now Mahomes went from 9.1 ypa to like 4

[@dukeonwheels]

The league adjusted, and then Mahomes and the Chiefs adjusted. Great teams do that.

[@WaitingforGodel]

Mahomes with the reverse Brady career arc

[@joshtaylor9884]

Cool. Maybe throwing for 400 yards will actually start to mean something again.

[@starwarsROXmy]

i like a happy medium between defense and offense. I don't want every game to end in a 7-3 slugfest, but I also don't need every game to be a 42-35 shootout.

[@pipesito182]

Dude what a refreshing channel. Love your stuff doc

[@jackgaleotti2297]

My favorite NFL KZbinr. The Dr. is a cut above the rest

[@dr.pigskin]

Wow, thank you! Those are some kind words, I’m glad you enjoy my content!

[@harrymills2770]

Good product. Sits too close to the camera.

[@choosecarefully408]

@@harrymills2770 I didn't want to _say_ anything, but yeah, when he goes from footage back to his room, my personal space feels infringed upon.

[@harrymills2770]

@@choosecarefully408 Most people use phones, I bet. So most people don't notice. But yeah. If you have a large screen computer, it's dental-appointment time, with you as the dentist. I never let anyone stand that close to talk to me in person. People put their cameras on top of their desktop screen. Back that camera off if you intend a career of YouTubing.

[@samwozniak1875]

This video was great! I'm a big believer that the NFL is cyclical and certain trends are going to come back. I'm expecting Fullbacks and bigger Running Backs to make a return soon with more defenses playing 2 high safety and smaller/quicker defensive linemen who are chasing down athletic quarterbacks will get bodied... Expect more space-eating DL's and man coverage within 10 years.

[@JesseVBuddyTV]

Those years had…Tom Brady, Ben Rothilsberger, Aaron Rodgers, Kurt Warner, Both Manning brothers, Drew Breeze, Phillip Rivers. Those are just the ones I can remember I’m sure I’m missing some but it was a blessed era for offenses.

[@bigdug13]

Lions sucked but Stafford was still a killer, especially with Megatron.

[@troybaxter]

​@@bigdug13 Stafford was never the Lions' problem.

[@Zalis116]

Warner retired after '09, but I'd also add (along with Stafford) Tony Romo, Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan, Jameis Winston, Cam Newton, and Andrew Luck to the list. Some guys like Derek Carr, Nick Foles, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Carson Palmer had a few good seasons in there as well.

[@_Xds_]

​@@Zalis116James? Lol

[@renardcerise7883]

​@@_Xds_30 for 30 and i think he also had 5K yards that year, yeah he was ugly to watch but the production was there

[@vortex3419]

Interestingly enough, the guy who arguably started this trend, and also crafted a fantastic game plan to stop the Chiefs (Todd Bowles). Has mostly reverted back to his (and the league's) old ways. The Bucs were bottom 3 in the league in explosive pass plays allowed in 2023, still relying on a lot of single-high coverage and classic spot drop zone, which once dominated the NFL of the past. Tampa also blitzed at one of the highest rates in the league. Personally, as a Bucs fan, I think it would behoove Bowles to pivot towards what the rest of the league is doing. Great vid btw

[@dr.pigskin]

Thank you! And that’s an excellent point, when I was looking at blitz rates I couldn’t help but notice the Bucs were 3rd in the NFL in 2023 with a whopping 45%. Fascinating how Bowles has more or less managed to start this trend and then turn around and buck it!

[@o0usf0o]

I think it’s important to note that the Bucs D-line isn’t what it was in 2020. No more JPP and Suh. Others took a step back. They had trouble generating pressure with 4 last year.

[@akimhamlet5092]

Carlton Davis recovering in the SuperBowl to shut down Hill after Hill took his soul in that game is incredible

[@mattclose5490]

Excellent video explaining what many fans, especially chiefs fans have known for years. This also perfectly explains the tyreek hill trade. I know it got criticized extensively but anyone who saw this all playing out knew exactly why it happened.

[@poeticalvision]

Pretty impressive that the Chiefs and Mahomes were able to completely pivot in early 2021 to a different style of play, and since they have won 2 Superbowls.

[@derekwhitmire7273]

One of the coolest analysis videos I’ve ever seen. Great balance between deep insights and approachable explanations!

[@Lucky_9705]

I’m glad that defense is gaining more of a footprint in the league. The decline in scoring reflects better defensive play, and in a decade that was previously dominated by offense, a shakeup to balance the game was needed.

[@michaelv8721]

What an amazing video. I’ve always wondered why some QB’s do better than other highly anticipated QB’s for seemingly no reason. It always just seemed random, which QB’s were gonna perform well. But it’s the ability to adapt to an ever changing game. Or at least that’s a big part of it.

[@doctorbarber1]

I remember that Super Bowl. Mike Remmers was their starting RT, the same dude who got Cam Newton basically killed on the field by Von Miller in Super Bowl 50.

[@thattimestampguy]

4:27 Chapter 1: Uncommon Advantageous set of circumstances. 5:22 3-5,000 Passing Yard Season 5:58 The NFL Passing Golden Age, The 2010s 10:35 The Pinnacle 11:39 13:08 Bucs 31 Chiefs 9 13:34 Todd Bowles Blitz Defense 14:07 Todd Bowles 2 Safety Defense to guard the Pass Attack 17:45 Rams vs Bills 🦬 Zone Coverage W 18:13 2022 Pass Defensive Revolution 🛡️ 18:52 ADOT Leaguewide 2018 to 2023 19:52 Two High Safeties, Zone Coverage Rate, Blitz Rate 20:52 Creative, Adaptive Defensive Schemes 21:31 Brian Flores Vikings

[@christinesuh5]

he’s back!!!

[@dr.pigskin]

Back and better than ever 😎

[@landonw3327]

It’s a tuff pill to swallow that the most hated team in the league is the reason my favorite team can’t score 💀

[@yeshuaisking1247]

And they keep winning and taking advantage of it, it's like you had a billionaire so rich that the gov had to find a heavy tax for everyone, but ironically it only hurts the millionaires the billionaires still have the most cushion.

[@terrencesteele753]

You spelled best wrong

[@zickyd42]

Really well put-together video! I thought it was a clickbait title and was skeptical, but you clearly put so much thought into this! This is such a breath of fresh air on NFL youtube (a landscape riddled with the likes of fivepoints and TGS)

[@CorpseHoarder]

Please please please I beg you for a detailed breakdown like this of the browns defense! It is fascinating and It’s rare to see a football analysis video combine humor and an efficient teaching ability to make it both entertaining and easy to follow. It’d be awesome to understand my favorite team on a deeper level! Alternatively… a breakdown of each divisions defense and make it a series? Nonetheless this video rocks 👍🏼

[@holdenrayl7953]

Ironically this is also a video that speaks to Mahomes and Reid’s brilliance. Not only did they survive and adapt but they survived and thrived. The marquee of a HOF HC and QB. I believe offense will shift back to mid 2010 numbers as more teams figure out running the ball will open up so much for them. Hence, why so many offensive lineman were taken early in this years draft. God damn this game is a beautiful game 🏈

[@andrewbloom7694]

I feel like its not a coincidence the highest scoring year was also the year where players could actually hear the QB and coaches cause there were no fans

[@CoBeMuaDong4100]

guys like Rodgers also abused the fact that he hears everything and get like a free play every game, resulting in his career best 48 tds and 4 ints

[@crazycarrot6387]

good job bro you deserve way more subscribers for this content

[@kaiklindworth1916]

This is an amazing video, entertaining and informative! I hope scoring doesn't get back to the previous level. I personally don't care for offense and all those flashy plays getting hyped up, and was really happy about the first half of this past SB. It's great to see it explained, and to be able to recognize it as part of the cycle of adapting :)

[@SPTO]

I only just came across this video but it was a great one. I pretty much agree with a lot of your points. The section where you talked about and explained what defenses are doing now was VERY insightful. I had seen a video a couple or so months ago that talked about those same concepts but it was a bit jargon and insidery with its explanation that it was a little hard for me to fully understand it. You explain those same concepts in a much more easy and digestible. BTW I think Sean McDermott is one of the defensive coaches who deserves some credit for the changing defenses. He's a little more traditional yes, but he employs a lot of the concepts you explained. It's going to be interesting to see how offenses respond to this overall change. The Chiefs have made some very good adjustments but I also think the Bills are embarking on an interesting experiment as they've gotten bigger with their receivers and have brought in YAC oriented guys who are viewed as slot guys. It feels like they're going a little old school with a more balanced offense that goes with shorter throws and utilizing big receivers who have some speed and gain yardage for themselves. I've seen some experts give the Bills middling grades when it comes to what they've done this offseason and indeed it could blow up but I think there's a chance their offense could counteract some of the newfangled defenses out there. Anywho, I really enjoyed your video and i'll keep an eye out for more in the future.

[@savagedamage8901]

this a damn good video. title was interesting and vid explained and answered a question many football fans have been wondering about. watched every second

[@seandillon1359]

DUDE! THEY LITERALLY JUST SAID WHAT YOU SAID ON TNF! “Ever since teams starting using two high safeties on mahomes everybody has been doing it and QBs have had to adjust. That’s why QB numbers are lower”

[@toeray5864]

For most of their history the Bucs have been an also ran but it's interesting that they've started two defensive revolutions: The Tampa 2 in the 90s and this "Super Zone" era of the 2020s.

[@gotoastal]

Your upbeat cadence is something I thought I would hate, but actually I warmed up very quickly. Nicely done.

[@machiavellianos]

I don’t know much about football but this is by far the most insightful trend analysis I have come across on YT. I have been wondering why chiefs collapsed in the SB and why their WRs struggled in recent years. I thought it was merely because the WRs weren’t good. I now understand why the old WR style of play is no longer the top on the book.

[@jtwk3400]

final papers can wait, Dr Pigskin posted!

[@dr.pigskin]

Hey, after watching this you’ll feel motivated to dominate those papers like Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill dominated in the 1st quarter of Week 12 of the 2020 season!

[@jtwk3400]

@@dr.pigskin considering I had Tyreek Hill on my fantasy team that year, I concur

[@JediJack16]

I love this video so much because as a dude who loves defense, it's infuriating how many people just say that offenses have gotten worse, when in reality it's very clearly the defenses getting better

[@henryvencill8758]

he’s done it again!! another certified classic

[@dr.pigskin]

Thank you Henry! Happy to hear you enjoyed it

[@Virapp]

It's been a while since I've actually subscribed to a new channel. Looking forward to more, Doctor!

[@ThatGuyAl155]

not even a fan of football much but the content is a great watch!! keep it up doc

[@tmac9972]

Exellent video. The NFL is a league of trends that shift once something is a success,adapt and change or die. Listening to all the talking heads on TV and radio for the last 10 years all you heard was the demise of the running back ,now without a good backfield most teams are screwed. After 4 or 5 seasons this to will change then its time to adapt and change or die.

[@mahball2933]

Hello fellow North Dakotan. Bismarck native here. Really enjoyed this video. Keep it up.

[@richborn6700]

Dr. Pigskin being a Vikings fan warms my cold Minnesotan heart. We suffered together but no more!

[@KingSalemence3]

No more? You're objectively the worst team in the division, and that's assuming McCarthy is a hit.

[@47ejecting2]

​@@KingSalemence3Hahaha, imagine thinking that da Bears won't absolutely shit the bed like they always do... t. cursed to be a Bears fan

[@KingSalemence3]

@47ejecting2 no no, I factored that in. Don't worry

[@KingSalemence3]

​@47ejecting2 the bears will inevitably collapse and finish near the bottom. The vikings are starting at the bottom lmao

[@mgyver2003]

​@@KingSalemence3 😂

[@dfp_01]

Awesome video! You're absolutely right that the Chiefs' depleted O-line allowed Tampa to rush four and keep two safeties high while still creating pressure and therefore dominate Super Bowl LV. But I think we can use the same logic to figure out why Mahomes has been so good in his career against the blitz: more often than not, sending more than 4 defenders after the QB means only a single safety can play high, which opens up big play opportunities-or, if they blitz and leave two high, the middle of the field is wide open for chunk plays by YAC guys like Kelce, who may be the best non-QB at reading defenses and scheming himself open. And if those are covered too, it usually means there's running room for Mahomes to pick up a first down with his legs.

[@kevinsayes]

Just found your channel man. This is good stuff, keep it up! Thanks bro! But yea, I think things will always be cyclical. Defenses change scheme, corners may be drafted higher etc until you eventually level the field again. When I was in HS/college (2001-2009) it seemed like RBs were the stars (to me), it shifted to qbs, now it *seems* like wr’s are the big stars. Mahomes came in on the tail of Brees/Brady/Stafford/whoever and put the cherry on top. I also feel that the NCAA basically becoming its own league will eventually raise the talent pool in the draft like crazy. If anything because players who may otherwise slip through the cracks may get some more spotlight now. Like I imagine there is a, idk, LB at a school like UTSA or something out there now who would be a perennial pro bowler that just needs exposure/the ability to move to a larger program easily

[@richrise4065]

Great video. I can’t believe you only have 5.32 subscribers, that was great. I subbed. Keep up the great work!

[@shibity]

NFL Offenses: "We're going to bomb the ball down the field" ... 6 years later NFL Defenses: "We should stop that"

[@bistromathics6]

Officials have also been allowing more and more contact downfield, while O-linemen and receivers are called more often for infractions that were usually ignored in the recent past. This has begun to make various defensive concepts valid, including more one-on-one coverage. Roughing the passer calls also went down last year, and that's both the officiating and the technique of D-linemen. Coaches and players keep pushing the officials on the boundaries. Since it's easier to get pressure on the QB's and it's harder to get separation, complex scheming and disguising looks on both sides of the ball have become more useful. From Spags (and others), you don't know who's blitzing. Offenses are more prone to turn receivers and backs into extra blockers. Also, with the very physical play being allowed (encouraged?) downfield, bigger, more physically dominating receivers, who are more willing and able to mix it up before, during and after the catch (as well as performing blocks on D-linemen), have become more valuable. Young, skinny, fast kids coming out of college, thinking they'll dominate in the NFL, are going to need to bulk up and learn a wider array of skills, no matter how talented. This is why someone like Xavier Worthy is truly a "wait-and-see" for KC (and Buffalo) fans. He's not tall, and at 172, he's going to get knocked around like a pinball. And he's just one example. Until they change the rules, or start calling more DPI, etc., it's going to be very physical downfield. I also noticed in 2023 that, given a possible penalty (when any offensive holding actually occurred) it was more likely to be called in a pass-blocking scenario than in a running scenario. I don't know how that stacks up to previous years, but with the clear trend toward less aggressive calling of personal foul calls for late and out-of-bounds hits, we're likely to see more strange things happening at the QB position (i.e. QB2 becomes much more strategically important). Can't wait to see what they do this year!

[@aaronmoravek]

I don't remember seeing this much holding going uncalled until recently.

[@aaronstark5060]

As someone who had been bemoaning the lack of quality defense in the NFL over that stretch, I love to finally see some. It kinda sucks the drama and tension from the game when you know that if Mahomes, Brady, Rodgers, etc. has the ball at the end of the game, they were GOING to score. There was no”let’s see what happens”. You may as well just fast forward to the touchdown. But while I’m happy to see it, I’m also scared to death that this is temporary and in 3-4 years, offenses will figure it out and go right back to being unstoppable.

[@InstinktzBTW]

Your channel is a gem. I see big things for you.

[@debishop3359]

Someone get this man more views

[@henriquecasagrande]

s/o from Brasil, pre superbowl I made a deep down analysis in my Twitter, on the bucs chiefs game and pretty much predicted the match, by how the bucs actually stopped the chiefs in the second half of the match, by using 2 high and disguised coverage and simulated pressure, so seeing it after all those years and how it impacted league wide is really nice, I still think who actually showed the blueprint to this was the Broncos, when helding Mahomes, but did not have the offense to match it

[@pearchamp]

Great video doctor, going to need a prescription for more content

[@dr.pigskin]

Pearchamp, thank you! Don’t you worry, I’ve got some exciting stuff planned for this summer 👀

[@LePromisedPrince]

Very interesting. I think that you’ll see changes to how some teams run their offense in retaliation, with teams reverting to more early 2000s styles of formations, kinda like the lions have been doing. A lot of under center, smash mouth football to force the defense closer to the line, allowing the big plays on play action

[@xStrypes]

This actually makes way too much sense, awesome video

[@stanjones5341]

TB12 lived ahead of that curve… quick slant after quick slant. Except for in 07.

[@s1ighted]

The production quality had me thinking this was a 100k+ sub yt channel,keep up the good work youre going to blow up soon trust

[@monitawhite4932]

Good job bud, really appreciate the time, effort, research and dedication

[@bigsav1984]

The ravens simulated blitz sounds a lot like the zone blitzes were lineman dropped into coverage that teams most notably the Steelers ran in the 90s in response to the west coast offense.

[@mbjackson8029]

Not a Brady fan. I agree with him on the mediocrity, these kids don’t know football and what it truly means to play the game until you can’t like we did years back. Money is what happened. Every play is a business decision.

[@seveng1147]

Chiefs receivers sold mahomes in the Super Bowl too

[@ChirpingMatt]

That is an interesting point here. I feel it's too often forgotten that in that game, Mahomes threw two would-be TDs that hit a receiver in the facemask, and somehow both were dropped. The game could just as easily have ended 31-23, and wouldn't have felt like such a domination. And that actually might be why the overall defensive shift was as gradual as it was, not really taking full effect until an entire season later. Teams weren't yet sure if that game was an aberration, or if it still works without such a lopsided battle in the trenches. It wasn't really until teams saw it consistently give Mahomes fits in 2021 that everyone bought in.

[@milemarker301]

Very interesting take. Maybe the change in tackle rules for this upcoming season is an attempt by the League to undercut the defense trend? :)

[@dr.pigskin]

You know, that’s a very good point! Obviously player safety was the main reason behind banning the “hip drop” tackle but I wouldn’t be shocked if the league’s scoring decline wasn’t at the very least a slight factor in the NFL’s decision

[@lockout125]

Defense has been neutered so hard by all the rules lower more skill based scoring is far more entertaining than just basically pussified flag football

[@smurphy98844]

Dude...thank you...this video was...revelatory....you've helped me make my dynasty football plan much more precise

[@scattau41]

in what ways?

[@smurphy98844]

@scattau41 it helped me understand that a shift is here in the league and that certain types of players might not Excell as much as expected nor their peers. For example Caleb Wiliams who is an improv type QB might struggle more than expected and that larger receivers and RBs might be bigger factors going forward. Big implications when selecting in dynasty FF leagues

[@Nickman1233]

Thanks for being data into this argument not just vibes

[@gallagherk11]

I had Tyreek on my fantasy team that year - I remember this game fondly!

[@foreversevenfold1666]

Great video! Earned my sub for sure. The evolution of NFL playcalling is so fascinating. With the way the defenses adjusted to this style of offense, I can't wait to see how offenses counter it. Wonder if we'll go back to a big reliance on running with less men in the box with all these 2 high safety looks.

[@MetallicJoK3r]

I know offense will always be more fun, your team gets to drive the whole field if they score, celebrations, etc… but defense is fun to watch too. I love a good late game pick, defense huddles in the endzone for a big group celebration.

[@RipliWitani]

Playing under center or having an effective run game is the key to beating quarters/cover 6. Defeating the 46 defense of the Ravens is more complicated, having a quick pass game that has multiple options or a run game that is overwhelming.

[@koodigocrxzy465]

The ravens don’t play a 46

[@speedlife301]

Ravens play 3-4 even that looks like a 4-3. And you aren’t going to beat them by running the front 7 is to strong and big . You have to spread them out.

[@bryantburns3664]

You don't know much

[@mitchbrown6652]

I really hope that chick fil a dropped you a couple of extra sammichs for this one 🤣

[@PhilP8980]

I remember watching a game 2019 where Mahomes threw 5 TD passes in the 2nd quarter against the Raiders, in Oakland. It was embarrassing. That's why the cover 2 shell is the base defense now.

[@Zarbon000]

New to the channel. Great video. How many years of organized tackle 🏈 have you played or coached?

[@Essman614]

So many commenter are like great video. I didn't know people were so passionate about Chick-fil-A

[@nin_tendo6458]

Unless Todd Bowles somehow managed to make Toney line up offsides or let balls bounce off his hands to a defender I don't think this is why last year so many teams looked awful. I don't disagree that defenses have clearly caught up to offenses as a general statement but a lot of defenses looked bad last season too. The Ravens were the only consistently good looking team all year. Every other team had a stretch of absolute clunkers. Ugly football all year, and I'm a fan of good defense. Also Russell Wilson always had the issues he's had the last two years they were just masked by ref nonsense and a great defense.

[@glaciersmash4118]

It's crazy that scoring is down but collosal blowouts are up. Especially that dolphins broncos game, 70 points off of 10 offensive TDs? Or that Raiders Chargers game, 63 points is unreal.

[@michaelsanantonio6971]

This channel is gonna be huge

[@worldsgreatestdude1784]

I was happy to see scoring go down

[@Ledmetacdc]

Vic fangio actually started doing this first as the broncos head coach and had a lot of success. Not in wins but mahomes really struggled against the broncos defense when fangio was there because he just didn't call a blitz and disguised coverages. You can credit Bowles because he got the super bowl w, but fangio really showed teams how to play against these mobile qbs.

[@gregoryroth2180]

Notice the league pass leader promply became the quarterback throwing to..... Tyreek Hill :/

[@NerdFiction]

It's amazing that offense has slowed down when the defense literally aren't allowed to even tackle QBs anymore, and offense PI is free reign while defensive is any time your hand touches the opponent. I actually have become so accustomed to the BS reffing that is the modern NFL that I was actually shaken when I went back to watch a game from 2013. Every single play was one I was expecting to see a flag come out on but never did. It's why I've said the NFL has become unwatchable lately. I miss watching football instead of a guy in a stripes moving the ball back and forth until someone has 3-4 attempts at throwing it into the endzone.

[@FoxxyBrown1111]

Good post. Offenses had it never easier than nowadays. Heck, in the brutal 80s, when QBs were fair game, passing was almost efficient (on per play basis) as nowadays. Those QBs didnt earn 50 mio for tossing 3 yard balls, they were paid 250 k to let 'er rip.

[@basileus7774]

Feels like a missed opportunity not to bring up how the Chiefs just won the Superbowl shutting down top offenses by blitzing and playing aggressive man coverage.

[@ArtisticallySavvyPhotography]

Just found your channel, well presented, well thought out video man, subscribed

[@sabishiihito]

Usually when there's a scoring decline, the Competition Committee gets together and we end up having increased emphasis on PI/illegal contact/defensive holding (1996, 2004, 2014). But this time, it's simply due to defenses playing 2-high safeties as you mentioned. Unless they're going to outlaw that defense, there's not much that can be done other than teams going back to being run-heavy. Maybe it's time for the resurgence of the running back?

[@johnchedsey1306]

I think the new kickoff rules will boost the scoring average a bit. It'll have nothing to with defensive or offensive innovations, but will hopefully give us a few more exciting huge plays in games.

[@dubzy21]

Really nice analysis bro great vid

[@KuroiRenge]

I think a part of why offense has reigned is because you just have an anomaly of extra-talented quarterbacks all playing, really, in one era. Rodgers, Manning, Brees, Brady, Stafford, and Roethlisberger, as well as other guys like Ryan, Cousins, and Wilson also lead very good offenses. Heck, even Cutler and Tannehill had solid years in this stretch, and rounding it out was Watson when he was actually good and didn't get rightfully blasted for being a creep. This new batch might all end up being the same sort of extra super talented group, but it's hard to say and honestly it's hard to imagine.

[@johnnunez5659]

I also like how this ties into the downfall of rbs in the NFL, long gone are the days of the workhouse power back, without them it caused a lot of modern offenses to struggle even more due to not being able to rely on run game. We saw lows in rushing production for rbs and it’s this kind of odd slump that offenses are currently in

[@Yoboyphilycheeze]

Thinking football did a awesome break down on modern defense and I you’re 100% correct

[@Zack-lt4dx]

Having Hill that year and being able to witness that game was incredible