In the NFL divisional playoff round, the matchup between the Rams and the Bears stands out, primarily due to the intriguing rivalry between head coaches Sean McVay and Ben Johnson. Both are regarded as innovative offensive minds, and this will mark their initial encounter in such a capacity. With Matthew Stafford nearing the end of his career, the pressure mounts for the Bears, who are looking to capitalize on their remarkable journey amidst a transition of their own.
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding Johnson’s influence on the NFL, particularly how he’s contributed to the Lions’ resurgence. McVay is clearly impressed by Johnson’s work as a first-year coach, signaling that this game carries significant weight.
While both coaches are considered innovative, they operate under pretty distinct philosophies. McVay’s Rams rely on a West Coast-style offense that cleverly manipulates defenses using motion and pre-snap adjustments. This strategy creates confusion, making it hard for defenders to pinpoint the main receiving threat. The addition of Davante Adams alongside Puka Nacua exemplifies this approach, as these two receivers can create mismatches and disarray in the defensive backfield.
On the flip side, Johnson’s offensive style breaks from McVay’s lead. Instead of conforming to the West Coast offense, he has revitalized a more outdated system called Erhard Perkins, which aims for efficiency. This approach eliminates the need for players to memorize an entire playbook by simplifying routes into a couple of broader concepts that vary based on the situation. If that sounds a bit complex, there’s an example from the Carolina Panthers’ playbook that illustrates it well.
For instance, a simple call like “ILLINOIS GHOST” directs receivers in a specific pattern, but if the quarterback senses the defense is prepared for it, he could switch the play to adjust. That might be something like “KILL KILL KILL GHOST. ILLINOIS HUNT,” allowing for a change without losing the integrity of the initial plan.
Interestingly, this method was once seen as too basic, with critiques about its simplicity compared to more intricate plays. Think of the comparison between a complex architectural structure and one built with Lego blocks.
What Johnson has done is layer more complexity on top of the Erhard Perkins principles. Instead of limiting route combinations to one side, he aligns them with specific receivers. For example, adding the term “ORBIT” to the above play call could involve that fly route receiver repositioning before the snap, transforming the formation and allowing further manipulations, like changing the play into a jet sweep.
Reading plays from left to right among the receivers introduces even more complexity, potentially leading to something like “ILLINOIS GIN HUNT LOOKIE,” where players are all aware of their specific routes.
This may sound like a lot, but in essence, it mirrors the notion of McVay’s adaptations to the West Coast approach with an added layer of movement. Both coaches share an understanding that disruptive tactics are valuable. Leading up to the game, they’ll analyze film to identify movement patterns and coach their defenses to remain vigilant against such schemes.
The brilliance of McVay and Johnson lies in their adaptability. They aim to enhance their offensive strategies while being flexible enough to leverage their players’ strengths. For example, recognizing that Stafford might not fit the conventional West Coast mold, McVay has introduced intermediate routes to better suit him. Likewise, Johnson modified his offensive strategies over the season to maximize Caleb Williams’ unique skill set.
Concerns remain about whether the Bears’ defense can contend with the challenges posed by McVay’s schemes, especially considering the Rams’ more seasoned defensive unit. Nevertheless, the clash of tactics between these two coaches promises to be one of the most captivating aspects of the playoffs.
