1. Hi Guest, Registrations are now open. See you on the inside.
    Dismiss Notice

Closing Out the Season

Discussion in 'Steelers Talk' started by Bubbahotep, Jan 30, 2026 at 6:51 AM.

  1. Bubbahotep

    Bubbahotep Well-Known Member

    2,869
    940
    Mar 19, 2022
    Comparing McCarthy vs Tomlin offenses in the last month of the season from 2020-2024. Without exception McCarthy's passing offense has been better. Not shocking considering who the Steelers had at OC and QB in that time frame. Steelers fielded a better rushing game in a few of those seasons and overall.

    Here's the average over that timeframe:

    download (37).png
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
  2. 86WardsWay

    86WardsWay Well-Known Member

    19,194
    5,700
    Dec 27, 2012
    It’s going to be a long off season.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
  3. NorthernBlitz

    NorthernBlitz Well-Known Member

    1,200
    336
    Sep 5, 2025
    I thought this was the 2025 season...but it's 2020-2024. Italics part is wrong.

    Best part about this chart is that we beat out the Rats for the division / playoff berth even though their offense is dramatically better than ours.

    Bubba...do you make these charts?

    If so, is there one that shows the difference between the offensive and defensive numbers? i.e. [(rush epa)/play - (rush epa allowed) / play] vs [(dropback epa)/play - (dropback epa allowed) / play]

    My guess is that this is how to find the best teams.

    Again LOL Rats. One of the best offenses in the league. Can't make the playoffs. Interesting that they were still very good offensively even though they were missing their MVP level QB for a long stretch.
     
    Last edited: Jan 30, 2026 at 1:22 PM
  4. Bubbahotep

    Bubbahotep Well-Known Member

    2,869
    940
    Mar 19, 2022
    Charts are generated from NFL play by play data.

    To your point, Ravens are going to be an interesting case in the division. Minter is good as a defensive HC. Who he will hire as OC will be as critical as the Steelers hire at DC. I expect he will go after a young up and comer, which might be all they need to finally make noise in the post season. But, LJ was clearly not himself for half the season this year. Have to wonder if his window is sliding closed?
     
  5. Steel_Elvis

    Steel_Elvis Staff Member Mod Team

    18,303
    5,541
    Nov 4, 2011
    I read the chart as covering a 5 year period from 2020 - 2024, so it wouldn’t include the 2025 season.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
  6. NorthernBlitz

    NorthernBlitz Well-Known Member

    1,200
    336
    Sep 5, 2025
    Especially in the AFC with so many good QBs. Including some young guys who look like they might be ascending (e.g. Maye and Nix)
     
  7. Steel_Elvis

    Steel_Elvis Staff Member Mod Team

    18,303
    5,541
    Nov 4, 2011
    Personally, I think LJ’s window is dependent on him being a huge running threat, which some/many teams respond to by focusing some attention away from coverage to contain his big plays in the running game as well as prioritizing integrity of pass rush lanes to minimize openings rather than going all out to get to him in the pocket. It really helps him in the passing game. It’s all about the running threat for him IMO.
     
  8. NorthernBlitz

    NorthernBlitz Well-Known Member

    1,200
    336
    Sep 5, 2025
    Thanks...didn't read the title in the chart.

    I believe you are correct.
     

Share This Page

Welcome to the ultimate resource for Steelers fans. Sign Up Here!