And like any other year, as the NFL season gets rolling, the talent, strengths and weaknesses, and style of playcallers around the league start to be realized. With 32 teams employing unique offensive philosophies, understanding these trends can provide fans, analysts, and teams valuable insights into potential outcomes. This article discusses key developments concerning notable offensive coordinators, their strategies, and how they shape their respective teams’ performances.
Until this point, Ben Johnson has proven to be one of the most essential pieces in Detroit’s offensive strategy. Johnson’s previous role featured three seasons as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. That’s an enormous leap of leadership for play-action usage across the league, with his squad finishing 2024 ranked first in goin’ to the fake at a wild 36%. His creative offensive style has been well documented, with analysts consistently recognizing his gift for scheming players open. Eric Woodyard highlighted Johnson’s work ethic and creativity, stating, “For all the Detroit fans, what you don’t see is the work ethic you’re getting. This guy is nuts.”
The Role of Play-Action in Offensive Strategies
Play-action has emerged as a hot talking point in today’s NFL offenses, with some coordinators using it more than others. During his tenure with the Colts, Greg Roman blitzed a ton. In fact, he worked out of it on 89% of the snaps. Perhaps his best “trick” was keeping defenses on their toes with play-action. When he was coaching the Chargers, he deployed it 34% of the time. This trend is just a symptom of a much larger change in the way teams are attacking defenses with offensive playcalling.
In short, the Atlanta Falcons had a bad season with play-action a year ago. They only ran it 15% of the time, easily the lowest mark in the league. These inequalities are a testament to the varied approaches taken by each available team and its coordinator.
Just ask the Indianapolis Colts, who have led the league in shotgun usage over the last two years. This strategy pairs well with their dynamic play-action game, a staple of head coach Shane Steichen’s offensive brilliance. The Ravens were remarkable in how much they changed their game plan last season. They ran 31% of their snaps under center — almost doubling last year’s rate of 16%. These changes underscore just how much of an impact a coaching change can have on a team’s culture and overall success.
Offensive Philosophies and Adaptations
Each offensive coordinator that installs an attack in the trenches has a different philosophy. Kevin O’Connell, for example, has called plays in every game since joining the Vikings as head coach in 2022, demonstrating his commitment to a cohesive offensive strategy. Klint Kubiak was the Vikings offensive coordinator in 2021. Last year, he went on to write the same script by signing in the same capacity with the New Orleans Saints. The franchise’s first continuity in playcalling can only improve what was already a more fluid team performance.
The Detroit Lions demonstrated a lot of creativity in their personnel usage. In 2024, they went to 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 WRs, 2 TEs). This strategy was used at the third-highest rate across the NFL, becoming 32.2% of plays. This coveted versatility with run and pass options stretches even the best defenses and gives Maryland the ability to dictate matchups and leverage their offensive playmakers.
At least, that’s what the Philadelphia Eagles are betting on after making big changes this offseason under pass game coordinator Kevin Patullo. In his time since taking the reins in 2021, they’ve operated 87% of their plays from the shotgun. These adaptations suggest a growing preference for formations that create space and improve quarterback decision-making and offensive rhythm.
First-Down Strategies and Game Management
The tactics used on those early downs can dictate the entire course of a possession. And the New York Giants really enjoy throwing on first downs. More importantly, they’ve chosen the passing game seven out of every ten times over the past two years. This trend is indicative of a larger tactical shift focused on maximizing early downs to set up favorable matchups down the road.
The Giants’ offense is all about the aerial attack. Teams such as the Ravens go with a more palatable approach by successfully harmonizing their play calls. This unpredictability helps to prevent defenses from getting settled in and allows for the potential of explosive plays.
Teams are constantly working on keeping that playcalling balance as they progress through the course of the season. The impact of their coordinators will be critical to that process. The lessons learned by reverse engineering these offensive philosophies will more than inform how we think about team chemistry and performance results.
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