Analysis
5/20/23
5 min read
Top 5 Most Improved Offenses for 2023 Season: Who Will Move Up?
The 2023 NFL Draft is a memory, and much of free agency is done, so most teams are who they will be when the season comes in September. So this is an excellent time to look at the five teams whose offenses are potentially the most improved for the 2023 NFL season.
Top 5 Improved Offenses
New York Jets
When you consider teams with the best chance of improving significantly on offense, you have to start with the New York Jets. Their offense was in a bad situation in 2022 because of the quarterback position.
When you add Aaron Rodgers and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett at the same time, I don’t think you can overstate that relationship. It was important for Rodgers that Hackett was there to help him. They will more or less continue to run the West Coast system they’ve both been in for so many years. That’s better than having a coordinator come in and just change things and make Rodgers do something he isn’t used to.
It was essential for continuity and understanding what they were trying to do that these two guys are together again. The Jets are a great team waiting to happen.
Defensively, they’re outstanding. They’ll get running back Breece Hall back from injury, and he will be a good player. The Jets’ offensive line is their biggest question, but they’re a strong team.
They have good pieces at receiver, and with that continuity between Rodgers and Hackett, Rodgers will be able to attack defenses. He’s got the ability to get the ball to anybody.
The Jets should make a terrific jump on offense. People will be surprised at how much it improves.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are so talented, but they haven’t put it all together yet. One of their most important aspects is their staff because they’re very talented, and I’m a big fan of quarterback Dak Prescott.
You have defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, and they brought in Brian Schottenheimer and offensive line coach Mike Solari to go with head coach Mike McCarthy, who will call the plays.
Those four guys have been in the league for a long time and have been very successful. It’s an all-star group on that staff.
The first thing I look at on an offense is who is coaching the offensive line. Solari should be considered the top offensive line coach in the league. Continuity and knowledge within the staff and communication with the head coach are important.
Running back Tony Pollard will get the bulk of the carries, which is another reason the Cowboys will make strides on offense. Last season, there were some differences in philosophy between McCarthy and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Moore wanted to throw the ball a lot, and McCarthy was more conservative. Now he will control the details of the offense, and he’s been effective wherever he’s done that. If there is a year for them to make a comeback, it’s this year.
Their defense is outstanding, and their special teams are pretty good.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots will be better for one reason – they’ve got an offensive coordinator in Bill O'Brien, who has called plays before, paired with a very good quarterback in Mac Jones. They’ve never drafted wide receivers very high, but a solid offensive coordinator will make a big difference.
And, of course, their head coach – Bill Belichick – is as good as there is.
This offense has the potential to come the furthest because they were 26th in the league in offense in 2022.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have the potential to put up huge numbers. Hopefully, quarterback Justin Herbert won’t get hurt and his receivers can stay healthy.
They still don’t have the offensive line they need for a quarterback of his stature. Adding receivers Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis in the draft will help because they clearly want to throw the football a lot. Running back Austin Ekeler has requested a trade, but he’s still there and is an excellent receiving back.
Their passing numbers will be top five in the league if everyone, particularly Herbert and wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen can stay healthy.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams were dead last in the league on offense for many reasons: injuries to their offensive line, WR Cooper Kupp and QB Matthew Stafford.
If they stay healthy, repair that offensive line a bit, continue to run the ball effectively and keep the pressure off that passing game, they'll make a move offensively.
I think they'll be in the upper half of the teams in the league. And that's a big jump from where they were this past season.
Mike Martz is a former NFL head coach and offensive coordinator, most notably for the St. Louis Rams. He was the OC for the Rams’ "Greatest Show on Turf" offense in 1999 when they won Super Bowl XXXIV. As head coach, he led the Rams to two division titles and an appearance in Super Bowl XXXVI.
