Rams head coach Sean McVay has a favorite run-blocking scheme and it has delivered many of Kyren Williams’ most explosive plays this season, but on Monday night the coach faces a Buffalo Bills defense that has yet to be exploited by it. What happens when McVay’s “man” meets Jim Leonhard’s “wall”?
The Rams have called man-concept run-blocking calls 12.8 times per game, according to Next Gen Stats, which is the most of any offense in the NFL. That means that McVay likes his offensive linemen to have specific
blocking assignments on defense and he uses pulling guards to create a running lane for Williams. As opposed to a zone-blocking scheme, in which the offensive linemen block an area — not a man — and Williams reads the blocks to pick a lane or area to run through.
In other words, McVay likes to make the job as easy as possible for his running backs and it’s worked out well this season:
- The Rams have a 47.1% rushing success rate on man-concept runs (8th)
- 64% of L.A.’s explosive runs have come out of man-concept runs
McVay likes to run man-blocking concepts. The concepts help the Rams offense score points and win games. That’s good. The bad?
The Buffalo Bills are one of only three defenses in the NFL to not allow an explosive run (10+ yards) against a man-concept carry, among those teams that have faced at least 15 such calls.
What will happen to the Rams offense if the Bills are successful at stopping L.A.’s rushing attempts out of man-concept carries?
Bills underrated defensive stalwarts
The big name on Buffalo’s defensive line is edge rusher Gregory Rosseau because he leads in the league in sacks with 6.5. And he is a potential problem for L.A.‘s offense. However, don’t underestimate the other guys when it comes to the run.
Defensive tackle DeWayne Carter
The 2024 third-round pick has been cited as an elite run-stuffer this season. You don’t know the name yet, but you probably will in a year or two.
Linebacker Terrel Bernard
Although he’s been called extremely slow by Bills fans, Bernard is helping Buffalo’s run defense with plays like this.
One player that the Bills probably won’t have is defensive tackle Ed Oliver. He left last week’s game against the Patriots and did not return, but head coach Joe Brady doesn’t think it’s a long-term injury.
Jim Leonhard’s first season
The former NFL safety is in his first season as a defensive coordinator at this level. He was in that role for six years at Wisconsin and spent the last two years helping Vance Joseph’s Denver Broncos. Now he’s the DC for the Bills and he’s not off to an ideal start.
The Bills rank 25th in points allowed and 27th in yards allowed.
Ranking 15th in yards per carry allowed doesn’t seem that great, but considering that Buffalo’s pass defense is 27th, it could mean that teams are just reluctant to run against the Bills. Why not pass?
We should see a lot of Matthew Stafford throwing to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams on Monday. But does that work as well without Williams and a solid run game? If the Rams build a lead with the passing game, can they hold it with the running game? Will McVay actually go to the run and stick to it?
That’s a question that’s on the minds of both coaching staffs right now. And all I’ve got to say is …
Man.
