Highest PPG in League Credited to Coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders

As the NFL regular season enters its final stretch, the Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as the league’s highest-scoring team, averaging an impressive 31.2 points per game (PPG)—a feat that many analysts and insiders are crediting directly to offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi. Lombardi, in his second season with the Raiders, has crafted an offense that balances explosive passing plays with a dominant running game, leveraging the team’s star talent while maximizing the strengths of role players. This high-scoring success isn’t just a result of individual brilliance; it’s a product of Lombardi’s strategic vision, attention to detail, and ability to adapt his scheme to fit the team’s personnel. Highest PPG in League Credited to Coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders explores how Lombardi’s leadership has transformed the Raiders’ offense, the key tactical choices driving their scoring success, and why his impact is being recognized as one of the biggest stories of the NFL season.

Lombardi’s path to building the league’s highest-scoring offense began with a simple but effective philosophy: design plays that put his best players in positions to succeed. From the start of the season, he focused on integrating star wide receiver Davante Adams into the scheme in ways that exploited his route-running precision and chemistry with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Lombardi created “Adams-centric” packages—including slot formations that let Adams beat single coverage and red-zone fade routes that capitalize on his 6-foot-1 frame—which have resulted in 11 receiving touchdowns for Adams, tied for the most in the AFC. But Lombardi didn’t stop there; he also built a run game around All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs, using zone-blocking schemes that play to Jacobs’ ability to read defenses and find cutback lanes. The result? Jacobs is averaging 4.7 yards per carry and has scored 10 rushing touchdowns, while the Raiders’ run game ranks 5th in the league in yards per attempt. “Mick doesn’t force a one-size-fits-all offense,” said Garoppolo. “He looks at what each player does best and builds plays around that. That’s why we’re so hard to stop—we can beat you in so many ways.” Highest PPG in League Credited to Coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes that Lombardi’s player-first approach is the foundation of the Raiders’ scoring dominance, as it maximizes the talent on hand rather than forcing players into rigid roles.

Another key factor behind the Raiders’ highest PPG—and a testament to Lombardi’s brilliance—is his ability to make in-game adjustments that keep opposing defenses off balance. In the Raiders’ Week 8 win over the Detroit Lions, for example, the Lions came out with a heavy blitz package designed to disrupt Garoppolo. Lombardi responded by shifting to a quick-pass attack, calling short slants and screen passes that let the Raiders get the ball out of Garoppolo’s hands quickly, neutralizing the blitz. By the second quarter, the Lions had abandoned their blitz-heavy approach, and Lombardi pivoted back to deeper routes, leading to a 35-yard touchdown pass from Garoppolo to Adams. “Mick is always one step ahead,” said head coach Josh McDaniels. “He’s constantly watching what the defense is doing, and he doesn’t hesitate to change things up if something isn’t working. That adaptability is why we score so many points in the second half—we’re able to exploit the defense’s weaknesses once we’ve seen their game plan.” Lombardi’s adjustments aren’t just reactive; they’re proactive too. He spends hours studying film of upcoming opponents, identifying tendencies that the Raiders can exploit early in the game. Against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 12, he noticed the Chargers struggled to defend tight ends in the middle of the field, so he called 12 plays for tight end Foster Moreau—who finished with 8 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. Highest PPG in League Credited to Coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders highlights that Lombardi’s in-game flexibility and pre-game preparation are what separate the Raiders’ offense from others, allowing them to score points even when their initial game plan is contested.

The Las Vegas Raiders’ ability to score points in a variety of ways—run, pass, red zone, and even on long drives—is another hallmark of Lombardi’s offense, and it’s a big reason why they lead the league in PPG. Unlike some high-scoring offenses that rely heavily on the pass or depend on big plays to score quickly, the Raiders are balanced: they rank 5th in the league in rushing yards, 6th in passing yards, 3rd in red-zone conversion rate (68%), and 4th in time of possession. This balance makes them nearly impossible to game-plan for, as defenses can’t focus on stopping just one aspect of the offense. “Mick wants us to be able to win any kind of game,” said offensive lineman Kolton Miller. “If the defense shuts down the run, we can pass. If they shut down the pass, we can run. If we need to grind out a long drive to kill the clock and score, we can do that too. That balance is what makes us so consistent.” The Las Vegas Raiders’ balance was on full display in their Week 10 win over the Buffalo Bills, where they rushed for 142 yards, passed for 280 yards, converted 4 of 5 red-zone opportunities, and held the ball for over 35 minutes—all while scoring 30 points. Lombardi’s ability to mix run and pass so effectively also keeps the defense tired, as they can’t rest between plays or adjust to a single rhythm. Highest PPG in League Credited to Coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders shows that the Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive balance, a direct result of Lombardi’s strategy, is what allows them to maintain their high scoring pace week in and week out.

Lombardi’s impact on the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense isn’t just limited to X’s and O’s; he’s also played a key role in developing young players and turning role players into contributors—depth that’s crucial for sustaining a high-scoring offense over a 17-game season. Rookie wide receiver Tre Tucker, a third-round draft pick, has emerged as a reliable deep threat under Lombardi’s guidance, catching 18 passes for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns—including a 65-yard game-winning score against the Denver Broncos. Lombardi recognized Tucker’s speed (he ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine) and designed plays that let him use that speed, such as go routes and end-around runs. “Mick took the time to figure out what I do best and gave me opportunities to show it,” Tucker said. “He doesn’t care if you’re a rookie or a veteran—if you can help the team score, he’ll get you on the field.” Lombardi has also gotten the most out of backup running back Zamir White, who has rushed for 420 yards and 4 touchdowns when Jacobs has needed rest. By designing simple, effective run plays for White that fit his power-running style, Lombardi has ensured the Raiders’ run game doesn’t drop off when Jacobs is on the sideline. The Las Vegas Raiders’ depth on offense, cultivated by Lombardi, means they can keep scoring even when key players are injured or fatigued—a luxury few other teams have. Highest PPG in League Credited to Coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders underscores that the Las Vegas Raiders’ ability to develop and utilize depth, thanks to Lombardi’s focus on player development, is a major factor in their league-leading PPG.

As the Las Vegas Raiders push toward the playoffs, Lombardi’s role in their high-scoring success is gaining national recognition, with many analysts mentioning him as a top candidate for NFL Assistant Coach of the Year. But for Lombardi, the focus remains on winning games, not individual awards. “The only thing that matters is helping this team get to the Super Bowl,” he said in a recent interview. “The high PPG is a byproduct of everyone—players, coaches, staff—doing their jobs the right way. I’m just lucky to be part of it.” The Las Vegas Raiders’ players, however, are quick to credit Lombardi for their success. “Mick is the reason this offense works,” said Adams. “He’s the brains behind it all—he puts us in positions to win, and he gives us the confidence to execute. We wouldn’t be the highest-scoring team in the league without him.” For the Raiders’ fanbase, Lombardi’s offense has made Sundays exciting again, as the team consistently puts up points and provides thrilling moments. Whether it’s a long touchdown pass from Garoppolo to Adams, a bruising run from Jacobs, or a surprise play from a young player like Tucker, Lombardi’s offense delivers. Highest PPG in League Credited to Coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that the Las Vegas Raiders’ league-leading PPG is a direct reflection of Mick Lombardi’s strategic genius, player-centric approach, and ability to adapt. As the Raiders look to make a deep playoff run, Lombardi’s offense will be their biggest weapon—and a reminder of why great coaching can turn a good team into a great one.