NFL Offensive Tendencies – Week 8 Review

The end of Week 8 marks about the halfway point of the NFL season. It serves as a milestone for NFL teams to evaluate where they are at and make adjustments for the second half of the season, as you see numerous teams making changes whether it is to the coaching staff or the player’s roles on their roster.

It also serves as a milestone for me to dig into the results of my offensive tendency projections to evaluate how they are performing. Last week, I mentioned how the passing yardage projections did very well last week. So for this article I decided to evaluate both passing yards and rushing yards over the first eight weeks of the season to determine how the projections have performed and to set a baseline of expectations going forward to see if I can improve over the second half of the season.

What I did was look back and count how often I was able to project each team’s passing yards within 40 yards of their actual result. For rushing I did the same exercise using 20 yards for the comparison. Using 40 passing yards and 20 rushing yards are a little arbitrary, but I arrived at them as they are both about 16-18% of the league average in passing and rushing yards respectively. The overall average passing yards per team per game is currently about 250 yards and the current average rushing yards per team per game is 110 yards. It also gave me a nice round number that is more easily compared and it passed the eyeball test, where when I see two sets of passing or rushing yards for actual and projected they feel reasonably close. Here are my findings…

Week	< 40 Pass Yds	% < 40 Pass Yds	< 20 Rush Yds	% < 20 Rush Yds	Teams
1	12	38%	16	50%	32
2	18	56%	21	66%	32
3	9	28%	17	53%	32
4	9	30%	20	67%	30
5	11	39%	19	68%	28
6	14	50%	19	68%	28
7	14	50%	20	71%	28
8	11	39%	15	54%	28

Other than a spike in accuracy in Week 2, both the passing and rushing projections were getting gradually better through Week 7 where they peaked at 50% of the passing yardage projections falling within 40 yards and 71% of rushing projections falling within 20 yards. Week 8 regressed some especially on the rushing side. It could have been all the injuries or maybe it was just a less predictable week then we have had the previous couple of weeks. I will continue to monitor this each week going forward to see how the projections are performing and I will be looking to review passing and rushing touchdowns next week to see how accurate they have been.

As usual, below is a full review of my Offensive Tendencies for Week 8, where I compare my projected play distribution and performance to the actual results to see how they performed and determine any takeaways that I will be watching over the coming weeks to see if they are a trend or something we can ignore. I also list my original Week 8 Increased Opportunities in bold to see if the opportunities I identified played out as the numbers (or my gut) suggested.

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Miami Dolphins	65	44	67.7%	273	2.1	21	32.3%	102	0.5	21.0
New England Patriots	68	45	66.2%	302	2.3	23	33.8%	95	1.0	28.9
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Miami Dolphins	62	49	79.0%	300	0	13	21.0%	15	1	7
New England Patriots	66	40	60.6%	356	4	26	39.4%	95	0	36

The Dolphins fell behind early, which forced them to go to the air more often than projected. The increased attempts allow the Dolphins to slightly exceed their passing yardage projection, but they failed to throw any touchdown passes. The running game only had 13 carries and were not able to do anything with them totaling only 15 yards, although they did score a rushing touchdown. The Dolphins have still passed over 74% of the time from inside the 10.

The Patriots ran slightly more often than projected. Despite a few less pass attempt, the passing game threw for more yardage and touchdowns than projected. The running game matched their rushing yardage projection, but failed to score on the ground. The Patriots have passed over 60% from inside the 10 this season.

Takeaways:

• The Dolphins have not been involved in a close game with their new head coach yet, looks like they are still willing to air it out when they are trailing.
• The Patriots were back to close to their normal play distribution after a pass heavy attack the previous week.

Increased Opportunities Review:

• Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins passing game (+)
  • The game script played out as expected and Tannehill did end up throwing for 300 yards, but had zero touchdown passes

Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs (in London)

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Detroit Lions	66	46	69.7%	286	2.0	20	30.3%	75	0.4	20.5
Kansas City Chiefs	64	38	59.4%	260	1.4	26	40.6%	113	1.1	24.2
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Detroit Lions	58	44	75.9%	227	1	14	24.1%	81	0	10
Kansas City Chiefs	63	31	49.2%	149	2	32	50.8%	206	4	45

The Lions fell way behind and passed at a slightly higher clip than projected. The passing game was ineffective, falling way short of their passing yardage projection with only one touchdown pass. The running game fell in line with their projection. The Lions have passed over 70% of their total offensive plays this season.

Working with a large lead, the Chiefs were able to focus on the running game, resulting in over 50% of their plays coming on the ground. The running attack was very effective rushing for over 200 yards and four scores. The passing game had limited opportunities which resulted in significantly less passing yards than projected, but they did throw for two touchdown passes. The Chiefs have run the ball over 56% of the time from inside the 10 this season.

Takeaways:

• Even with a high volume of pass attempts the Lions passing game is not producing, avoid all Lions until they have a good game or two.
• Second straight week the Chiefs running game has looked good with Charcandrick West leading the way

Increased Opportunities Review:

• Matthew Stafford and the Lions passing game (Golden Tate) (++)
  • Stafford only threw for 217 yards and 1 TD, Tate had 6 catches for 59 yards
• Alex Smith and the Chiefs passing game (Travis Kelce) (++)
  • Solid game for Smith thanks to 78 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD, he also had 145 passing yards and 2 TDs, Kelce had a solid game with 6 catches for 49 yards and 1 TD
• Charcandrick West (+)
  • Another good game for West with 97 rushing yards and 1 TD (also 25 receiving yards)

Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Minnesota Vikings	63	33	52.4%	210	1.6	30	47.6%	127	0.7	22.2
Chicago Bears	65	37	56.9%	234	1.3	28	43.1%	123	0.6	19.7
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Minnesota Vikings	56	31	55.4%	187	1	25	44.6%	147	0	23
Chicago Bears	59	34	57.6%	211	1	25	42.4%	97	1	20

The Vikings ran fewer plays than projected but had a similar play distribution to the projection. The passing game fell slightly short of their yardage projection and only threw for one touchdown pass. The running game gained a few more yards than projected, but did not score. The Vikings have run the ball almost 60% of the time in the red zone.

The Bears play distribution fell right in line with the projection. The passing game finished just short of their projected yardage to go along with one touchdown pass. The running game fell short of their projected yardage, but did get a score on the ground.

Takeaways:

• The Bears only seem to allow big TD pass games to either really good QBs or high volume passing teams. Next week they face the Chargers, where Philip Rivers meets both criteria.

Increased Opportunities Review:

• Teddy Bridgewater chance for 2nd TD pass (++)
  • Only 1 TD pass for Bridgewater
• Jay Cutler and the Bears passing game (Martellus Bennett) (+)
  • Cutler only threw for 211 yards and 1 TD, Bennett only had 3 catches for 32 yards 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	63	35	55.6%	243	1.3	28	44.4%	113	1.2	20.7
Atlanta Falcons	67	36	53.7%	242	1.9	31	46.3%	131	1.3	26.9
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	63	31	49.2%	177	1	32	50.8%	117	1	23
Atlanta Falcons	73	46	63.0%	397	2	27	37.0%	101	0	20

The Buccaneers ran the ball slightly more often than projected, as they held a lead for most of the game. The passing game with a few less attempts, fell short of their projected yardage while throwing one touchdown pass. The running game fell in line with their projection for yardage and a rushing score.

With the Falcons trailing most of the game they went to the air more than expected. The increased pass attempts resulted in significantly more passing yards than projected with the expected two touchdown passes. The running game finished with less yards than projected and failed to score with the decreased attempts.

Takeaways:

• The Buccaneers had an even split of 2 rushes and 2 passes from inside the 10 this week, as they are starting to trend to running more often recently near the end zone

Increased Opportunities Review:

• Doug Martin chance for at least one rushing TD (++)
  • The rushing score came from Jameis Winston, not Martin
• Matt Ryan chance for 2nd TD pass (++)
  • Ryan did end up with 2 TD passes

New York Giants @ New Orleans Saints

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
New York Giants	65	40	61.5%	270	1.8	25	38.5%	107	0.7	23.4
New Orleans Saints	70	43	61.4%	319	1.4	27	38.6%	120	1.2	23.8
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
New York Giants	65	44	67.7%	350	6	21	32.3%	87	0	49
New Orleans Saints	76	50	65.8%	511	7	26	34.2%	103	0	52

What a crazy back and forth game of fantasy goodness!

The Giants passed slightly more often than projected. The passing game was very effective with significantly more passing yards than projected and six touchdown passes. The running game finished just short of their projected yardage and failed to reach the end zone on the ground. The Giants have passed over 58% of their red zone plays this season.

The Saints also passed slightly more often than projected. The passing game was extremely effective with over 500 passing yards and seven touchdown passes. The running game still managed to finish just short of their projected yardage, but did not score.

Takeaways:

• Both teams pass defenses are very suspect and we could see more shootouts when the Saints and Giants go against opposing teams with good a QB and high powered offense

Increased Opportunities Review:

• Eli Manning and the Giants passing game (Ruben Randle and Larry Donnell) (+++)
  • Manning was an elite play this week with 350 passing yards and 6 TDs, however I picked the wrong receivers as Randle only caught 5 balls for 55 yards and Donnell only had 1 catch for 22 yards. Hopefully you also had some Odell Beckham exposure.
• Drew Brees and the Saints passing game (Brandin Cooks and Benjamin Watson) (++)
  • Huge day for Brees with 511 passing yards and 7 TDs, also both receivers had very good days, Cooks had 6 catches for 88 yards and 2 TDs, while Watson had 9 catches for 147 yards and 1 TD. Of course, if you had Marcus Colston or Willie Snead, you did alright as well.

San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
San Francisco 49ers	63	35	55.6%	206	0.8	28	44.4%	115	0.6	15.7
St. Louis Rams	61	32	52.5%	240	1.4	29	47.5%	145	1.0	21.8
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
San Francisco 49ers	65	44	67.7%	162	0	21	32.3%	38	0	6
St. Louis Rams	64	23	35.9%	191	1	41	64.1%	197	2	27

Trailing the whole second half the 49ers went to the air more often than projected. Despite an increase in pass attempts, the passing game was less effective than projected falling short of their yardage projection and failing to get a passing touchdown. The running game was also very ineffective without Carlos Hyde gaining only 38 yards on 21 carries and no touchdowns. The 49ers have passed over 62% of their plays in the red zone this season.

The Rams ran even more often than an already run heavy projection while they worked with a double-digit lead most of the game. The passing game with only 23 attempts fell well short of their projected yardage to go along with only one touchdown pass. The running game was very effective again this week, piling up close to 200 yards on the ground and two scores.

Takeaways:

• Between injuries, ineffectiveness and a change in QB to Blaine Gabbert, it is time to completely avoid the 49ers offense and strongly consider the defense for whoever they are playing
• In games were the Rams are working with a lead they will just run, run, run all day long

Increased Opportunities Review:

• Todd Gurley (++)
  • Another big game for Gurley with 133 yards and 1 TD
• Nick Foles and the Rams passing game (+)
  • Foles only ended up with 191 passing yards and 1 TD

Arizona Cardinals @ Cleveland Browns

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Arizona Cardinals	64	36	56.3%	258	1.8	28	43.8%	136	1.1	25.4
Cleveland Browns	65	40	61.5%	255	1.4	25	38.5%	101	0.4	19.8
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Arizona Cardinals	77	39	50.6%	374	4	38	49.4%	119	0	34
Cleveland Browns	61	41	67.2%	223	3	20	32.8%	39	0	20

Despite trailing in the first half, the Cardinals still ran the ball at a higher rate than projected and had significantly more offensive plays then projected. The increase in total plays allowed the passing game to still get more attempts than projected resulting more passing yards and four touchdown passes. The running game was not as effective as projected with slightly less yardage than expected and no rushing scores.

The Browns passed slightly more often than projected. The passing game fell short of their yardage projection, but did manage to throw for three touchdown passes. The running game was very ineffective averaging less than 2 yards per carry and failed to score. The Browns have passed 64% of the time inside the 10 yard line this season.

Takeaways:

• The Cardinals running game did not take advantage of the weak Browns rush defense
• The Browns passing game continues to produce when Josh McCown is at QB

Increased Opportunities Review:

• Chris Johnson (+)
  • Johnson received 30 carries resulting in 109 rushing yards
• Josh McCown and the Browns passing game (+)
  • Another solid game for McCown with only 211 passing yards, but 3 TD passes

Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Cincinnati Bengals	66	35	53.0%	260	1.8	31	47.0%	124	0.9	23.9
Pittsburgh Steelers	63	36	57.1%	268	1.5	27	42.9%	140	0.8	22.5
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Cincinnati Bengals	64	41	64.1%	231	1	23	35.9%	78	0	16
Pittsburgh Steelers	67	48	71.6%	262	1	19	28.4%	116	0	10

The Bengals went to the air far more often than projected. However, the increase in pass attempts did not result in increased production as the passing game fell short of the projected yardage and only threw for one touchdown pass. The running game also fell short of their projected yardage with the decreased attempts and failed to score. The Bengals passed from inside the 10 yard line on all 4 plays this week.

With Ben Roethlisberger back, the Steelers went to the air more often than an already increased pass tendency. With the extra attempts the passing game came close to the passing yardage projection but only threw one touchdown pass. The running game was fairly effective with the opportunities they had, even after Le’Veon Bell left with an injury, but overall fell short of the projected yardage with less carries than expected.

Takeaways:

• Interesting that the Bengals passed so often in a game that was close the entire way, I would guess that it is not a trend we will continue to see
• With Roethlisberger back, and now with Bell out, look for the Steelers to lean more on the passing game going forward

Increased Opportunities Review:

• Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers passing game (Antonio Brown) (+)
  • Started strong, but Roethlisberger only finished with 262 yards and 1 TD, while Brown had 6 catches for 47 yards and 1 TD

San Diego Chargers @ Baltimore Ravens

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
San Diego Chargers	70	46	65.7%	310	2.0	24	34.3%	88	0.5	24.0
Baltimore Ravens	64	39	60.9%	271	1.8	25	39.1%	124	1.0	24.9
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
San Diego Chargers	64	38	59.4%	301	3	26	40.6%	81	0	26
Baltimore Ravens	65	40	61.5%	319	1	25	38.5%	72	1	29

The Chargers ran slightly more often than projected. Despite fewer pass attempts than projected, the passing game was still effective finishing close to their projected yardage and throwing for three touchdown passes. The running game production fell in line with their expected yardage and failed to score on the ground. The Chargers have passed over 70% of the time in the red zone this season.

The Ravens play distribution fell in line with the projection. The passing game put up more yardage than projected, but only threw one touchdown pass. The running game fell short of their expected rushing yardage, but did score a rushing touchdown. The Ravens have passed over 60% of their plays in the red zone.

Takeaways:

• With Steve Smith out for the season, I expect the Ravens to shift more focus to the running game going forward.

Increased Opportunities Review:

• Philip Rivers and the Chargers passing game (+)
  • Rivers threw for 301 yards and 3 TDs
• Justin Forsett (++)
  • Forsett only had 69 rushing yards and no scores
• Joe Flacco and the Ravens passing game (Steve Smith, and maybe Crockett Gillmore) (+)
  • Solid game for Flacco with 319 passing yards, but only 1 TD pass. Smith had 5 catches for 82 yards before leaving with an injury and Gillmore caught the lone touchdown pass, but only had 8 yards receiving

Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Tennessee Titans	65	39	60.0%	242	1.9	26	40.0%	108	0.7	21.4
Houston Texans	67	43	64.2%	266	2.1	24	35.8%	97	0.6	21.1
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Tennessee Titans	58	38	65.5%	171	0	20	34.5%	86	0	6
Houston Texans	61	38	62.3%	235	2	23	37.7%	56	0	20

The Titans passed at a slightly higher rate than projected. With Zach Mettenberger at quarterback, the passing game was very ineffective, falling short of their projected passing yardage and failing to throw for any touchdown passes. The running game also fell short of their projected yardage and failed to reach the end zone. The Titans pass over 62% of the time in the red zone.

As expected the Texans went to the air more often without Arian Foster. The passing game finished just short of their yardage projections and did pass for two touchdowns. The running game struggled averaging only 2.4 yards per carry and did not score.

Takeaways:

• Continue to play defenses against the Titans
• Watch the Titans play distribution with their new head coach
• The Texans will continue to go to the air more without a good running game

Increased Opportunities Review:

• Brian Hoyer chance for multiple touchdown passes (+)
  • Hoyer did throw for 2 TDs
• Marcus Mariota (if starting) and the Titans passing game (Kendall Wright) (++)
  • Mariota did not play

New York Jets @ Oakland Raiders

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
New York Jets	69	36	52.2%	233	1.6	33	47.8%	128	0.9	23.9
Oakland Raiders	64	40	62.5%	234	1.7	24	37.5%	92	0.5	20.2
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
New York Jets	71	50	70.4%	311	2	21	29.6%	74	0	20
Oakland Raiders	61	36	59.0%	333	4	25	41.0%	118	0	34

Falling behind by double-digits at the half, the Jets went to the air more often than projected. The increase in pass attempts resulted in significantly more passing yards than projected to go along with two touchdown passes. The running game fell short of their projected yardage and failed to score.

The Raiders play distribution fell in line with the projection. The passing game was very effective, throwing for significantly more yardage than projected with four touchdown passes. The running was more effective than projected from a yardage perspective, but failed to score on the ground.

Takeaways:

• With both Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith getting injured in the game, we will need to watch the injury report to see who will start next week as it could have a big impact on the Jets play distribution
• Another strong game for the Raiders passing game, this time against a strong defense

Increased Opportunities Review:

• None, I am not big on the kickers or defenses either

Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Seattle Seahawks	63	32	50.8%	218	1.1	31	49.2%	148	1.1	22.0
Dallas Cowboys	62	34	54.8%	214	1.0	28	45.2%	111	0.9	17.8
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Seattle Seahawks	61	30	49.2%	210	1	31	50.8%	113	0	13
Dallas Cowboys	57	27	47.4%	97	0	30	52.6%	129	0	12

The Seahawks play distribution fell in line with their typical run heavy approach. The passing game production fell right in line with their projection. The running game fell short of their projected yardage and failed to score on the ground. The Seahawks continued their recent trend of running the ball inside the 10 and have now run on 52% of their plays inside the 10 this season.

The Cowboys featured a run heavy play distribution in a close game this week. The passing game was very ineffective with less than 100 yards through the air and no scores. The running game performed well, finishing with slightly more yardage than projected, but also failed to score.

Takeaways:

• The Seahawks have officially reversed the early season trend of passing near the goal line and are now running more often than passing from inside the 10 yard line.
• Continue to avoid the Cowboys passing game until Tony Romo returns.

Increased Opportunities Review:

• Marshawn Lynch chance for at least one rushing TD (++)
  • No rushing scores for the Lynch this week

Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Green Bay Packers	64	34	53.1%	221	1.7	30	46.9%	131	0.7	22.7
Denver Broncos	67	43	64.2%	270	1.4	24	35.8%	104	0.5	19.9
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Green Bay Packers	46	25	54.3%	77	0	21	45.7%	90	1	10
Denver Broncos	63	29	46.0%	340	0	34	54.0%	160	3	29

The Packers had their expected play distribution. The passing game was very ineffective against the tough Broncos pass defense, finishing with significantly less yardage than projected and no touchdown passes. The running game also fell short of their projected yardage, but did get one touchdown run.

The Broncos were able to focus on the running game working with a lead in the second half. The running game was very effective, rushing for more yardage than projected with three rushing scores. The passing game was also productive despite limited attempts, passing for significantly more yardage than projected, but failing to throw for any scores.

Takeaways:

• The Packers offense has been struggling a little bit the last few weeks and was highlighted this week against a tough Broncos defense, they may continue to struggle against good defenses, but should still take advantage of weak defenses.
• The Broncos running game was productive for the second straight week, watch to see if the trend continues and results in more rushing attempts going forward.

Increased Opportunities Review:

• Peyton Manning and the Broncos passing game (Demaryius Thomas) (+)
  • Good yardage for Manning with 340 yard passing, but no touchdown passes. Thomas had a big game with 8 catches for 168 yards
• Both Kickers (++)
  • Brandon McManus (9 points), Mason Crosby (4 points)

Indianapolis Colts @ Carolina Panthers

Projected	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Indianapolis Colts	68	47	69.1%	266	1.6	21	30.9%	93	0.6	19.5
Carolina Panthers	68	33	48.5%	226	1.5	35	51.5%	158	1.3	25.6
Actual	Plays	Pass	Pass%	Pass Yards	Pass TD	Run	Run%	Rush Yards	Rush TD	Score
Indianapolis Colts	84	49	58.3%	231	2	35	41.7%	136	0	26
Carolina Panthers	73	37	50.7%	248	2	36	49.3%	140	1	29

With the Colts trailing in the second half they went to the air more often than projected. The passing game fell just short of their projected passing yards, but did get two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. The running game was productive with more rushing yards than projected, but failed to score. The Colts have passed 60% of the time inside the 10 yard line this season.

The Panthers executed their typical run heavy play distribution. The passing game finished with slightly more yardage than projected to go along with two touchdown passes. The running game fell a little bit short of their projected yardage, but did have one rushing score. The Panthers run the ball over 66% of their plays inside the 10 yard line.

Takeaways:

• The Colts keep relying on garbage time to get most of their passing production
• Be sure to watch for game day weather updates now that we are into November

Increased Opportunities Review:

• Cam Newton (Gut call: Newton has a bigger day than the numbers suggest) (+)
  • Solid game for Newton with 248 passing yards and 2 TD passes, also had 41 yards rushing

Watch for the Week 9 Offensive Tendencies article later this week…