The 13 personnel grouping, featuring one running back, one wide receiver, and three tight ends, has become a significant talking point in NFL offensive strategy. Led by Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, this formation has demonstrated its effectiveness, particularly in stabilizing the run game and creating opportunities for explosive play-action passes. Reports indicate that teams are actively seeking tight ends capable of operating within this flexible scheme without needing to be substituted on and off the field.
The Rams' deployment of 13 personnel has drawn considerable attention, with their offensive efficiency in this grouping registering an impressive 0.22 expected points added (EPA) per play last season, according to ESPN's Bill Barnwell. This metric places their performance in such formations alongside historically potent offenses like the 2007 New England Patriots and the 2018 Kansas City Chiefs. This tactical success is not going unnoticed, with other organizations observing and attempting to replicate the Rams' results.
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The influence of McVay's offensive philosophy is evident in recent NFL draft activities, suggesting a broader trend toward increased utilization of tight ends. After establishing 11 personnel as a common standard, McVay's apparent pivot to higher tight end usage is now being emulated by competitors. The success witnessed with Matthew Stafford in this formation, reportedly contributing to his path towards an MVP award, underscores its impact.
Other teams are not just observing but actively incorporating similar strategies. The Chicago Bears, for instance, were already ranked in the top-five for drop backs using 13 personnel last season. Their head coach, Ben Johnson, appears to be further exploring this alignment, drawing inspiration from McVay's playbook. Specific formations involving tight ends isolated on the left side or positioned on the line of scrimmage, with receivers creating space for deep routes, are being analyzed and potentially adapted.
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Background: A Shift in Personnel Focus
The evolution of offensive schemes in the National Football League continues to be a dynamic process. Historically, offenses have adapted to defensive trends and rule changes, with innovation often stemming from a few key figures. Sean McVay's tenure with the Rams has been marked by such innovation, moving from popularizing 11 personnel to exploring the possibilities presented by 13 personnel. This tactical adjustment requires personnel with specific skill sets, particularly versatile tight ends who can contribute both as blockers and receivers, adapting to varied roles within formations like those seen with players such as Ferguson, Nacua, Parkinson, and Allen. The ongoing focus on offense-centric play, despite perceived comebacks by defenses, continues to drive high-stakes strategic moves across the league.
