NFL Under Duress List - Week 12

Before delving into the Week 12 duress list, let's reflect on the performances of individuals highlighted in last week's list.

The Cincinnati Bengals faced a significant setback, losing a pivotal game to the Baltimore Ravens. The defeat was compounded by Joe Burrow's season-ending injury, effectively dimming the Bengals' playoff aspirations.

On a brighter note, Josh Allen led the charge for the Buffalo Bills, securing a convincing victory against the struggling New York Jets. Allen's three-touchdown performance showcased his prowess, a crucial element as the Bills vie for a wildcard spot.

Lamar Jackson bounced back impressively against the Bengals, marking a strong response after the divisional loss to the Cleveland Browns. During this win, Jackson surpassed Randall Cunningham's rushing yardage, to move up to fourth place among all-time NFL quarterbacks total rush yards.

As we transition to this week's duress list...

Patrick Mahomes

As a huge Mahomes fan, it pains me to place the greatest quarterback of all time (yes, he's better than Tom Brady) on the duress list, but it has to be done, and it has more to do with the fact that he's struggling to get his offence going.

This season, the Chiefs are averaging just 23.1 points per game, which is the lowest in the Mahomes era at Kansas City. They only have one real major threat in Travis Kelce, who gets doubled the majority of the time, and other receivers are either struggling to get open or dropping passes. He has no number-one wide receiver.

The Chiefs are also having offensive struggles in the second half of games, averaging five points a game in the second half. In their most recent loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, they were outscored 14-0 in the second half, marking the third straight game that the Chiefs have failed to score a point in the second half, which is mind-boggling given that they have arguably the best QB in the whole league.

Offence has been a problem all season, as receivers are struggling to get open or catch passes. Mahomes’ receivers have dropped 26 passes so far this season which is the highest in the NFL.

Mahomes' play hasn't been up to the highest standards he usually sets for himself. He's thrown 19 passing touchdowns, which is tied for third in the league but has thrown nine interceptions, also joint third in the league. However, what he does have going for him is that the Chiefs' defence is big-time and has been performing at a very high level. In points allowed per game, only the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens have a better defence than them, and it's for sure the best defence he's had since he was drafted to Kansas City.

Beating the Las Vegas Raiders is important, but it's more important for Mahomes to find some sort of rhythm with his offence as we edge closer to the postseason and if they want that home-field advantage in the playoffs.

Next Game: Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium

LA Chargers Front Office

It feels like I've mentioned everyone associated with the LA Chargers—Justin Herbert, and Brandon Staley, and now I'm turning the spotlight on the LA Chargers front office, including general manager Tom Telesco and the Spanos family, who own the team.

The Chargers' 23-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers marked their fifth one-score loss of the season and their seventh consecutive defeat by three points or fewer, dating back to last season. Since 2020, the Chargers have lost 14 games decided by three or fewer points, the most by any NFL team during that period.

Justin Herbert can't do much more as his receivers and defense consistently let him down. In the loss to the Packers, he threw perfect passes to both Quentin Johnson and Keenan Allen but they were dropped. Last week, Herbert threw for 323 yards, four touchdowns, and had a rating of 114.9, with 38 points but his defence gave up 41 points in their loss to the Detroit Lions.

With a 4-6 record, the Chargers are looking increasingly unlikely to make the playoffs. Head coach Staley, who is on the hot seat, expressed full confidence in himself as a defensive playcaller after the game and cautioned reporters not to ask those questions again.

Staley, supposed to be a defensive-minded coach, has, since becoming head coach in 2021, allowed the sixth-most yards and seventh-most points. In Herbert's 60 career starts, he's averaged 25.3 points per game. However, defensively, they've given up 25.4 points per game in that period. This doesn't give his star quarterback much of a chance, considering Staley is meant to have a defensive pedigree.

The question remains: How does a defence with Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Derwin James, and Asante Samuel Jr.—all incredibly talented players—perform so poorly? It doesn't get any easier as the defence prepares to face Lamar Jackson, Zai Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr., and the crew from Baltimore on Monday Night Football, who are averaging 34 points over their last three games.

Next Game: Baltimore Ravens at SoFi Stadium

Kenny Pickett

A significant offensive shakeup unfolded in Pittsburgh this week, with the departure of Matt Canada as offensive coordinator. With Canada relieved of his duties, the onus now squarely falls on quarterback Kenny Pickett to steer the Steelers' offence.

Pickett faces a critical test against the Cincinnati Bengals in a divisional game, especially with Joe Burrow sidelined for the season due to a torn ligament in his right wrist. The Bengals will be starting Jake Browning in Burrow's absence.

Despite the Steelers holding a respectable 6-4 record, offensive struggles persisted under Canada's tenure. Ranking 28th in points per game, 28th in yards per game, and 31st in pass yards per game, the team also faced challenges in third-down conversion (25th) and red zone efficiency (25th). Notably, since Canada joined the Steelers in 2021, they stand alone as the only NFL team without a 400-yard offensive game. Additionally, their scoring of 30 or more points has occurred only twice in this timeframe, placing them at the bottom of the league.

While Pickett hasn't showcased stellar performances, ranking 29th in completion percentage, 29th in touchdown percentage, and 30th in pass yards per game among quarterbacks with at least 150 pass attempts this season, the team has found success primarily through its defence. However, the offensive struggles raise concerns about the team's overall potential.

It's essential to note that issues like misread routes and bounced passes were not solely attributed to Canada. With Canada no longer in the scapegoat role, the spotlight intensifies on Pickett. If the Steelers are to have a shot at the playoffs, he needs to lead his team to victory against the Bengals.

Next Game: Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium