The 2022 NFL season has been one of the lowest-scoring in recent memory, with teams averaging just 22.0 points per game. This is down from an all-time high of 24.8 points per game in 2020.
There are a number of factors that have contributed to this decline in scoring, including:
Increased use of Cover-Two defense: Cover-Two defense is a two-deep, five-under zone defense that has become increasingly popular in the NFL in recent years. This defense is designed to prevent big plays and force offenses into long drives.
Improved defensive coaching: Defensive coaches have become more sophisticated in recent years, and they are better at exploiting the weaknesses of opposing offenses.
Offensive line play: Offensive line play has been down across the league in recent years, which has made it more difficult for quarterbacks to get time to throw and for running backs to gain yards.
Quarterback play: There have been a number of injuries to key quarterbacks this season, and some of the league’s top quarterbacks have not been playing at their best.
Increased Use of Cover-Two Defense
Cover-Two defense is a two-deep, five-under zone defense that has become increasingly popular in the NFL in recent years. This defense is designed to prevent big plays and force offenses into long drives.
In Cover-Two, the two safeties play deep, and the five underneath defenders (usually three cornerbacks and two linebackers) drop into zone coverage. This makes it difficult for offenses to complete deep passes, and it also forces them to run the ball more often.
Cover-Two defense has been particularly effective against the pass in recent years. In 2021, offenses averaged just 6.3 yards per attempt against Cover-Two, which was the lowest mark since 2017.
Why is Cover-Two Defense Effective?
Cover-Two defense is effective because it takes away the deep passing game and it also forces offenses to run the ball more often.
Deep passes are the most explosive plays in football, but they are also the most difficult to complete. Cover-Two defense makes it even more difficult to complete deep passes by placing two safeties deep in the field.
Running the ball is a less efficient way to score points than passing the ball. It also takes more time to run the ball, which can give the defense more time to rest and prepare for the next play.
How is Cover-Two Defense Affecting Scoring?
Cover-Two defense is affecting scoring by making it more difficult for offenses to complete deep passes and by forcing them to run the ball more often.
This is leading to longer drives and fewer points scored. In 2021, offenses averaged just 22.0 points per game, which was the lowest mark since 2010.
Improved Defensive Coaching
Defensive coaches have become more sophisticated in recent years, and they are better at exploiting the weaknesses of opposing offenses.
Defensive coaches now have access to a wealth of data and analytics that they can use to game plan for their opponents. This allows them to identify the weaknesses in opposing offenses and to design schemes to exploit those weaknesses.
For example, if a defensive coordinator knows that an opposing quarterback is struggling with pressure, he can design a scheme that sends more blitzers. Or, if he knows that an opposing offense has a weak offensive line, he can design a scheme that puts more pressure on the quarterback.
Improved defensive coaching is making it more difficult for offenses to score points. In 2021, offenses averaged just 22.0 points per game, which was the lowest mark since 2010.
Offensive Line Play
Offensive line play has been down across the league in recent years, which has made it more difficult for quarterbacks to get time to throw and for running backs to gain yards.
There are a number of reasons for the decline in offensive line play, including:
Injuries: Offensive linemen are some of the biggest and strongest players on the field, but they are also some of the most injury-prone. In 2021, offensive linemen missed an average of 2.6 games per player, which was the highest mark since 2014.
Lack of development: Offensive linemen take time to develop, and many teams are not giving them enough time to develop before putting them on the field. In 2021, the average age of an offensive lineman was 26.5 years old, which was the lowest mark since 2009.
The decline in offensive line play is making it more difficult for offenses to score points. In 2021, offenses averaged just 22.0 points per game, which was the lowest mark since 2010.
Quarterback Play
There have been a number of injuries to key quarterbacks this season, and some of the league’s top quarterbacks have not been playing at their best.
Injuries to quarterbacks can have a devastating impact on an offense. In 2021, teams that lost their starting quarterback for at least four games averaged just 14.8 points per game, which was 7.2 points per game fewer than teams that did not lose their starting quarterback for at least four games.
Even quarterbacks who are not injured have not been playing at their best this season. In 2021, the league’s top quarterbacks averaged just 23.4 passing touchdowns per game, which was the lowest mark since 2017.
The decline in quarterback play is making it more difficult for offenses to score points. In 2021, offenses averaged just 22.0 points per game, which was the lowest mark since 2010.
Other Factors
In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a number of other factors that are contributing to the decline in scoring in the NFL, including:
New rules emphasizing player safety: The NFL has implemented a number of new rules in recent years that are designed to protect players from injury. These rules have made it more difficult for defenders to hit quarterbacks and wide receivers, which has made it easier for offenses to score points. However, these rules have also made it easier for defenses to prevent offenses from scoring points.
Impact of analytics: Analytics are playing an increasingly important role in the NFL. Teams are using analytics to make decisions about everything from how to game plan to how to draft players. Analytics are making it easier for defenses to defend offenses, which is contributing to the decline in scoring.
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Conclusion
There are a number of factors that are contributing to the decline in scoring in the NFL, including the increased use of Cover-Two defense, improved defensive coaching, offensive line play, quarterback play, and other factors such as new rules emphasizing player safety and the impact of analytics.
It is unclear when scoring in the NFL will return to its previous levels. However, it is likely that the factors that are contributing to the decline in scoring will continue to affect the game for the foreseeable future.
FAQs
Is the NFL trying to make the game more defensive?
The NFL has said that it is not trying to make the game more defensive. However, the new rules that have been implemented in recent years have made it more difficult for offenses to score points. This has led to a decline in scoring, which has made the game more defensive.
When will scoring in the NFL return to its previous levels?
It is unclear when scoring in the NFL will return to its previous levels. The factors that are contributing to the decline in scoring are likely to continue to affect the game for the foreseeable future.
What can offenses do to score more points?
Offenses can score more points by:
Throwing quick screens and slants
Using play-action
Attacking the middle of the field
Using misdirection
What role does analytics play in the NFL’s decline in scoring?
Analytics are playing an increasingly important role in the NFL. Teams are using analytics to make decisions about everything from how to game plan to how to draft players.
