Modern NFL offense often looks new yet it follows old ideas that return over time. The Los Angeles Rams have embraced that cycle as they build an attack shaped by size power and clarity.
Seattle Seahawks Create Explosive Threats Through Heavy Looks( Phtoto Credit: EDWIN HOOPERSEATTLE SEAHAWKS)
Seattle Seahawks Create Explosive Threats Through Heavy Looks
( Phtoto Credit: EDWIN HOOPERSEATTLE SEAHAWKS)
Their shift began after Puka Nacua left the field during the win over the Ravens. His value in the run game forced Sean McVay to make a full change.
The team needed help holding edges and setting strong surfaces for the ground attack. The answer came with greater use of tight ends and bigger bodies.
The Rams reached a new level once they leaned into this identity. They lead the league in EPA per play and Success Rate since Week 7.
Matthew Stafford has used this foundation to play at a high level. Tom Brady described the effect well in an interview.
“The interesting thing about 11 personnel is that there’s probably 20-25 different coverage combinations you can face as a QB. When you go to a 3 TE grouping and they play base defense, you’re dealing with 3 or 4 combinations,” hesaid. “So it simplifies the defensive playbook by about 20%, so many fewer looks for QBs to diagnose post-snap, and allows you as a play-caller to dial up exactly what you want.”
“A little bit of a no look.”@TomBrady was lovin’ Matthew Stafford’s 4th TD pass of the game 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/xeLMRvfs0d
— NFL (@NFL) November 10, 2025
Los Angeles has forced heavy defenses to play simple coverages. Against the 49ers, the Rams out of thirteen personnel saw Cover Three on more than half of the snaps.
That made the job easier for Stafford who could attack open space with confidence. Terrance Ferguson has become a central piece in these sets.
He averages a strong three point three yards per route run over the last three weeks. His size and movement strain linebackers and open lanes for Davante Adams.
Bigger bodies also help the run game. They allow offensive linemen to rise to the second level. They also let tight ends take base blocks on the edge.
This gives McVay more answers in a league that adjusts with speed. His willingness to adapt has shaped an offense that now sits near the top of the NFC.
Seattle Seahawks Create Explosive Threats Through Heavy Looks
Seattle has forged its own path with large personnel groups. Their plan works through play action and deep shots by Sam Darnold.
He owns a zero point five three EPA per dropback against base defenses and averages twelve point nine yards per attempt in those looks.
He attacks slower linebackers with throws to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and forces teams to defend the entire field.
The Seahawks use twelve and twenty one personnel to sell run action. That pulls defenders inside and gives Darnold room to strike.
The defense then must choose between flowing fast or staying patient. When defenders move fast Darnold hits explosive passes. When they sit back he finds one on one chances downfield.
Seattle also excels on defense, bringing speed. They rarely use base defense yet still allow only three point seven yards per carry.
Their run blitzes create confusion andform heavy fronts from lighter bodies. Mike Macdonald trusts his players to fill gaps with aggression and force hesitation in blocking schemes.
Sunday presents a battle of ideas. Both teams want base defense on the field. Both want clarity for their quarterbacks. The result will show which plan can force the opponent into uncomfortable positions.