The PML season is heating up, and through five games (Jaguars and 49ers only at 4), we’re taking a closer look at how each AFC team has approached their offensive strategy. From the most pass-happy squads to the ground-and-pound specialists, we’ve broken down the numbers: total plays run, raw pass and run attempts, and the percentages that reveal each team’s identity.
Titans (2-3): Airing It Out, For Better or Worse
- Total Plays: 284
- Pass Plays: 191 (67.3%)
- Run Plays: 93 (32.7%)
The Titans lead the AFC in pass percentage, with a heavy reliance on their passing game as they try to keep pace with opponents. Tennessee has aired it out 183 times mainly through Will Levis, while also taking 8 sacks, and the run game has taken a backseat with only 93 rushing attempts. At 2-3, this approach highlights the team’s challenges on the ground and in maintaining balance.
Despite their aerial focus, the Titans’ efficiency hasn’t matched their volume, leaving them in a crowded division standings. While a more balanced attack could take pressure off Levis and the offensive line, their rushing offense has struggled to gain traction, forcing the passing game to shoulder the load.
Broncos (1-4): Searching for Answers in the Air
- Total Plays: 292
- Pass Plays: 191 (65.4%)
- Run Plays: 101 (34.6%)
The Broncos have a high pass percentage, as their 1-4 record reflects a team in catch-up mode. With 183 pass attempts and 8 sacks, Denver’s offense has leaned heavily on quarterback Bo Nix, while the run game has been underutilized at just 101 carries.
This imbalance has contributed to inconsistency in sustaining drives, as opposing defenses key in on the pass. While the Broncos’ struggles on the ground aren’t the sole reason for their record, a more diversified offensive strategy could alleviate pressure on Nix and improve their scoring potential.
Steelers (1-4): Aerial Volume Amid Struggles
- Total Plays: 281
- Pass Plays: 187 (66.5%)
- Run Plays: 94 (33.5%)
The Steelers’ passing game has accounted for over two-thirds of their offensive plays, with 174 attempts and 13 sacks through five games. With just 94 rushing attempts, they’ve had one of the least active ground attacks in the league.
At 1-4, Pittsburgh’s reliance on the pass has not translated to success, as their offense has struggled to find rhythm. Reinvigorating the run game could help create balance and take the pressure off the passing attack, which has faced relentless defensive pressure.
Ravens (1-4): Unbalanced and Unsuccessful
- Total Plays: 281
- Pass Plays: 186 (66.2%)
- Run Plays: 95 (33.8%)
Despite the presence of Lamar Jackson, the Ravens have leaned very strongly on their passing attacl, logging 174 attempts and 12 sacks through five games. The rushing side has been underwhelming, with just 95 carries, leaving Baltimore as one of the most pass-heavy teams in the AFC.
This approach has yielded disappointing results, as the Ravens sit at 1-4. For a team built around Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities, reestablishing the ground game could provide a much-needed spark and open up opportunities for big plays in the passing game.
Chiefs (4-1): High-Octane Passing Attack
- Total Plays: 271
- Pass Plays: 184 (67.9%)
- Run Plays: 87 (32.1%)
The Chiefs’ dynamic offense, led by Patrick Mahomes, has once again been built around the pass. With 174 attempts and 10 sacks, they’ve maintained one of the highest pass percentages in the league. At just 87 rushing attempts, Kansas City ranks last in the AFC in total carries besides Jacksonville who has played one less game.
However, their 4-1 record speaks to the effectiveness of their strategy. While the run game hasn’t been a priority, the Chiefs’ high-powered passing attack continues to lead them to success. Maintaining this trend seems likely, though the lack of balance could become a concern in tight games or when trying to chew clock.
Bills (2-3): Pass-Heavy but Struggling for Wins
- Total Plays: 273
- Pass Plays: 164 (60.1%)
- Run Plays: 109 (39.9%)
The Buffalo Bills have leaned heavily on their passing attack, with 158 pass attempts and 6 sacks. Their ground game has been less of a focus, with just 109 rushing attempts so far. This pass-heavy approach is led by Josh Allen, but it hasn’t translated into the results the team expected, with a 2-3 record despite their strong season last year.
While Buffalo’s offense remains explosive through the air, the lack of a consistent run game has forced them to rely too much on Allen’s arm. Opposing defenses have been able to key in on the pass, making it harder for Buffalo to sustain drives. A more balanced offensive strategy could help the Bills find their footing as they work to improve their record moving forward.
Bengals (2-3): Leaning on the Pass, Searching for Wins
- Total Plays: 297
- Pass Plays: 185 (62.3%)
- Run Plays: 112 (37.7%)
The Bengals have relied on their passing game, with 175 attempts and 10 sacks through five games. Their 112 rushing attempts reflect a moderate effort to keep defenses honest, but the passing game remains the focal point.
This approach has led to mixed results, as the team sits at 2-3. While Joe Burrow has shown flashes of what he used to be, inconsistency on the ground has made it difficult to sustain drives, and plenty of interceptions point to a bad pass scheme. Finding a more effective balance could help the Bengals improve their offensive rhythm and secure more victories.
Patriots (1-4): Heavy Passing, Light Results
- Total Plays: 298
- Pass Plays: 186 (62.4%)
- Run Plays: 112 (37.6%)
New England’s 1-4 record reflects their struggles to find offensive success, despite logging 176 pass attempts and 10 sacks. Their 112 rushing attempts show a willingness to run, but it hasn’t been enough to shift the balance in their favor.
This high pass percentage points to a team often playing from behind, forcing Drake Maye to shoulder much of the offensive load. For the Patriots to turn their season around, a more productive rushing attack is necessary to complement their passing game and control the clock.
Dolphins (2-3): Fast and Finesse Through the Air
- Total Plays: 271
- Pass Plays: 172 (63.5%)
- Run Plays: 99 (36.5%)
Miami’s offense has leaned heavily on its passing game, with rookie Shedeur Sanders and veteran Tua Tagovailoa at the helm for 166 attempts and 6 sacks. Their 99 rushing attempts reflect a desire for balance but show room for improvement in effectiveness.
At 2-3, the Dolphins’ reliance on the pass has yielded explosive plays but also left them vulnerable to defensive adjustments. While their speed and finesse through the air remain their greatest strength, finding more consistency in the run game could help them close out tight contests and be less one dimensional.
Jets (4-1): Balanced but Leaning Pass
- Total Plays: 294
- Pass Plays: 178 (60.5%)
- Run Plays: 116 (39.5%)
The Jets’ 4-1 record is a testament to their balanced but slightly pass-leaning offense. Rookie Jalen Milroe has been the starter of the team that has attempted 169 passes while taking 9 sacks, and the team’s 116 rushing attempts have been crucial in maintaining balance.
This approach has worked well for New York, as they’ve controlled the tempo of games and kept defenses guessing. Their ability to adapt to different game scripts has been a major factor in their early success, and they’ll likely continue this formula moving forward.
Raiders (4-1): Finding Success in Balance
- Total Plays: 254
- Pass Plays: 142 (55.9%)
- Run Plays: 112 (44.1%)
The Raiders have achieved a winning formula with a balanced offense, logging 130 pass attempts and 12 sacks against 112 rushes. This near-even split has allowed them to remain unpredictable and keep defenses on their heels.
At 4-1, Las Vegas has leaned on efficiency rather than sheer volume. Their ability to execute both phases of their offense has been a key factor in their early success, setting the stage for continued contention in an ultra-competitive AFC West.
Colts (2-3): Evenly Split, Fighting for Wins
- Total Plays: 287
- Pass Plays: 151 (52.6%)
- Run Plays: 136 (47.4%)
Indianapolis has nearly split their offensive plays evenly, with 138 pass attempts and 13 sacks compared to 136 rushing attempts. This balanced approach reflects their desire to stay versatile, though it hasn’t always translated to success.
Their 2-3 record underscores the need for improved execution in both facets. While their balance keeps opponents guessing, greater efficiency on the ground or in the air could turn close losses into wins as the season progresses.
Browns (4-1): Grounded in Success
- Total Plays: 285
- Pass Plays: 148 (51.9%)
- Run Plays: 137 (48.1%)
The Browns boast one of the most balanced offenses in the league, with 135 pass attempts and 13 sacks matched closely by 137 rushing attempts. Their 4-1 record reflects their success in dictating games with a run-first mentality when needed.
Cleveland’s ability to dominate time of possession and wear down defenses has been a hallmark of their early success. If they can maintain this balance, they’re poised to remain a top contender in the AFC North and maybe the AFC as a whole.
Chargers (4-1): Ground Game Leading the Charge
- Total Plays: 249
- Pass Plays: 112 (45.0%)
- Run Plays: 137 (55.0%)
The Chargers have bucked the pass-heavy league trend, leaning on their run game with 137 rushing attempts to just 110 pass attempts and 2 sacks. This ground-first approach has powered them to a 4-1 record and helped them control games.
By establishing the run, Los Angeles has taken pressure off Justin Herbert and opened up opportunities for play-action. Their ability to dominate on the ground has made them a tough matchup, particularly in close games.
Texans (2-3): Finding Their Identity
- Total Plays: 249
- Pass Plays: 140 (56.2%)
- Run Plays: 109 (43.8%)
Though they’re in the lower half of pass percentage, the Texans are still trying to find their offensive identity. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has thrown the majority of the 136 pass attempts while taking only 4 sacks, complemented by 109 rushing attempts.
At 2-3, Houston’s efforts to remain balanced have shown flashes of promise. As their young roster continues to develop, striking the right balance could make them a surprise contender in the AFC South.
Jaguars (1-3): Ground Game Lacking Punch
- Total Plays: 214
- Pass Plays: 140 (65.4%)
- Run Plays: 74 (34.6%)
The Jaguars’ struggles have stemmed from an unproductive ground game, with just 74 rushes across four games. Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville have attempted 136 passes while taking 4 sacks, leaving them with one of the least effective rushing attacks in the AFC.
At 1-3, the team’s inability to establish the run has made them one-dimensional and easier to defend. To turn their season around, they’ll need to find a way to get their ground game going and provide balance for their offense.
The AFC teams have showcased a diverse array of offensive strategies, from the pass-heavy approach of the Jets and Titans, who are among the league’s leaders in pass attempts, to the more run-oriented tactics of the Chargers and Colts. Teams like the Browns and Raiders have managed to achieve strong records with a solid balance between the pass and run game, while teams like the Ravens and Jaguars have struggled to find offensive rhythm despite their talent and reliance on the pass. As the season progresses, AFC teams will likely continue to adjust their offensive game plans, either leaning more heavily into their pass or run game, depending on the matchups and their personnel, as they position themselves for the postseason.
