Throughout my research for the 2019 Fantasy Football Draft, I searched everywhere in order to find more about the strategies that offenses use in order to get a feel for how they stack up against each other, and how they will utilize their players this year.
So, I decided to do a mountain of research in order to learn about the entire history of offensive strategies in the NFL, and how it translates into today’s game.
The Main 5 Offensive Systems in the NFL
Obviously, offensive coordinators in the NFL are a lot more complex than just 5 strategies. However, these 5 strategies have been developed over time, and been handed down through generations of NFL coaches and offensive coordinators. Some offenses utilize a mix of each strategy, with an implementation of their own unique styles. Others stick pretty close to the script and play a more disciplined game.
1. Air Coryell System
This system is defined by:
- Timing routes
- Having QB throw “to a spot”
- TE’s more involved in route trees
- More than just hitches and digs
Lots of deep routes from outside receivers, flys and posts. First reads are often the deep shots, then RBs/TEs are running intermediate routes as check down options.
Receivers and TE’s run a lot of option routes depending on what defense gives them. Between the tackles power running game. Lots of pre-snap motion to avoid CB press-jams at LOS.
2. Erhardt-Perkins Offense
The system is designed to simplify things for the quarterback by eliminating the lengthy play-calls used in West Coast and Air Coryell offenses, instead, using one-or-two word names for passing plays that are based on route combinations, or ‘concepts.’ These concepts typically feature two-or-three man route combinations on each side of the formation and these packaged concepts are each given names that are easy for the offense to digest.
The lack of verbiage makes it easier for an offense to use tempo and go no-huddle, as the passer can simply call out the name of a given concept, rather than an entire play. This system also stresses defenses by running a small number of plays out of a variety of formations. Often run the same play from multiple different formations to emphasize mismatches.
3. West Coast Offense
Focuses mainly on zone blocking runs and quick timing passes. This combo stretches opposing defenses horizontally and uses short passing attack as an extension of the run game. This entails extensive verbiage in the huddle and at the LOS for quarterbacks, tougher for young quarterbacks to master.
4. Spread Offense
The Spread offense has a goal that is explained in the name, spreading the defense out, by putting the QB in shotgun, often having 4+ receivers. You’ll often notice that the spacing between offensive linemen is even larger in this to further emphasize the spread.
You’ll see a lot of quick hitting pass plays and no huddle from spread offenses. This is where you’ll see a majority of RPO’s, and read option plays from the quarterback.
5. Air Raid Offense
This system is set in shotgun, featuring 2 wide outs and 2 slot receivers, 4 in total. The formations are a variation of the run and shoot offense. A lot of trips will be run out of the air raid to attack one side of the field, leaving a true “X” receiver, by himself on the opposite side of the field.
Offensive Coordinator Strategies for All 32 NFL Teams
Now, that I have elaborated on and explained the 5 main offensive coordinator strategies in the NFL, it is time to show how each team fits into the puzzle:
Dallas Cowboys
Head Coach
|
Jason Garrett |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Kellen Moore |
Pass Play % 2018
|
56.7% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
“Air Coryell” System |
Buffalo Bills
Head Coach
|
Sean McDermott |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Brian Daboll |
Pass Play % 2018
|
53.5% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
“Erhardt-Perkins Offense” |
Miami Dolphins
Head Coach
|
Brian Flores |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Chad O’Shea |
Pass Play % 2018
|
57.7% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
“Erhardt-Perkins Offense” |
New England Patriots
Head Coach
|
Bill Belichick |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Josh McDaniels |
Pass Play % 2018
|
55% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
“Erhardt-Perkins Offense” |
New York Jets
Head Coach
|
Adam Gase |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Dowell Loggains |
Pass Play % 2018
|
57.8% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast |
Baltimore Ravens
Head Coach
|
John Harbaugh |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Greg Roman |
Pass Play % 2018
|
47% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
With Lamar Jackson? Power run game. Lots of pulling tackles and guards |
Cincinnati Bengals
Head Coach
|
Zac Taylor |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Brian Callahan |
Pass Play % 2018
|
61.7% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
Run multiple plays out of the same look, don’t create tendencies, West Coast-esque |
Cleveland Browns
Head Coach
|
Freddie Kitchens |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Todd Monken |
Pass Play % 2018
|
60% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
Goal is Big Plays, Air Coryell |
Pittsburgh Steelers
Head Coach
|
Mike Tomlin |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Randy Fitchner |
Pass Play % 2018
|
67.4% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
Air Coryell |
Houston Texans
Head Coach
|
Bill O’Brian |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Tim Kelly |
Pass Play % 2018
|
56% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
“Erhardt-Perkins Offense” |
Jacksonville Jaguars
Head Coach
|
Doug Marrone |
Offensive Coordinator
|
John DeFilippo |
Pass Play % 2018
|
58.6% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
“Erhardt-Perkins Offense” |
Tennessee Titans
Head Coach
|
Mike Vrabel |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Arthur Smith |
Pass Play % 2018
|
51.5% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
“Erhardt-Perkins Offense” |
Denver Broncos
Head Coach
|
Vic Fangio |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Rich Scangarello |
Pass Play % 2018
|
61.2% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast |
Kansas City Chiefs
Head Coach
|
Andy Reid |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Eric Bieniemy |
Pass Play % 2018
|
61.5% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast |
Los Angeles Chargers
Head Coach
|
Anthony Lynn |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Ken Whisenhunt |
Pass Play % 2018
|
58.8% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast |
Oakland Raiders
Head Coach
|
Jon Gruden |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Greg Olsen |
Pass Play % 2018
|
61.1% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast |
New York Giants
Head Coach
|
Pat Shurmur |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Mike Shula |
Pass Play % 2018
|
64% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast w/heavy play action emphasis |
Philadelphia Eagles
Head Coach
|
Doug Pederson |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Mike Groh |
Pass Play % 2018
|
61.7% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast |
Washington Redskins
Head Coach
|
Jay Gruden |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Kevin O’Connell |
Pass Play % 2018
|
57.1% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast, with more downfield shots |
Chicago Bears
Head Coach
|
Matt Nagy |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Mark Helfrich |
Pass Play % 2018
|
54.8% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast + RPO’s |
Detroit Lions
Head Coach
|
Matt Patricia |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Darrell Bevell |
Pass Play % 2018
|
60.3% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast |
Green Bay Packers
Head Coach
|
Matt LaFleur |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Nathaniel Hackett |
Pass Play % 2018
|
67.5% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast |
Minnesota Vikings
Head Coach
|
Mike Zimmer |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Kevin Stefanski |
Pass Play % 2018
|
52% – over last 3 games with new OC |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast |
Atlanta Falcons
Head Coach
|
Dan Quinn |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Dirk Koetter |
Pass Play % 2018
|
65.2% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast |
Carolina Panthers
Head Coach
|
Ron Rivera |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Norv Turner |
Pass Play % 2018
|
58.8% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
“Air Coryell” System |
New Orleans Saints
Head Coach
|
Sean Payton |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Pete Carmichael Jr. |
Pass Play % 2018
|
54.3% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
“Erhardt-Perkins Offense” |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Head Coach
|
Bruce Arians |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Byron Leftwich |
Pass Play % 2018
|
63.1% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
Aggressive, pass-first Air Coryell |
Arizona Cardinals
Head Coach
|
Kliff Kingsbury |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Tom Clements |
Pass Play % 2018
|
60.6% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
Air Raid Offense |
Los Angeles Rams
Head Coach
|
Sean McVay |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Aaron Kromer / Shane Waldron |
Pass Play % 2018
|
56.4% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
Run multiple plays out of the same look, don’t create tendencies, West Coast-esque |
San Francisco 49er’s
Head Coach
|
Kyle Shanahan |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Kyle Shanahan |
Pass Play % 2018
|
67.8% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
Run multiple plays out of the same look, don’t create tendencies, West Coast – esque |
Seattle Seahawks
Head Coach
|
Pete Carroll |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Brian Schottenheimer |
Pass Play % 2018
|
47.5% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
“Air Coryell” System |
Indianapolis Colts
Head Coach
|
Frank Reich |
Offensive Coordinator
|
Nick Sirianni |
Pass Play % 2018
|
61.6% |
Projection / Tendencies
|
West Coast |
Questions? Looking for More Fantasy Insight?
If you are looking for more insight into the 2019 NFL Fantasy Draft, such as what players to pick, what strategies to use, and more, check out some of these helpful resources:
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