Inside the Numbers: Why Condensed Formations are the Hottest Trend in NFL Offenses
The NFL is a copycat league, and right now, offenses are huddling closer than ever before. Forget the wide-open, spread-out attacks of yesteryear; the hottest trend sweeping the league is the use of condensed formations. But what exactly are they, and why are they giving defensive coordinators nightmares?
What are Condensed Formations?
In simplest terms, a condensed formation involves positioning offensive players, particularly wide receivers, closer to the offensive line than in a traditional spread formation. Instead of lining up near the sidelines, receivers align themselves inside the numbers, creating a tighter cluster of players near the center of the field.
The Shanahan Effect
While condensed formations aren’t new, their resurgence can be largely attributed to the influence of Kyle Shanahan and his coaching tree. Shanahan, the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, has long been considered an offensive innovator, and his strategic use of condensed formations has set a trend that many teams are now emulating.
In fact, the 49ers’ offensive formation stretches just 19.9 yards from end to end, the tightest alignment in the NFL. This forces defensive backs to work inside-out, opening up the middle of the field.
Advantages of Condensed Formations
Condensed formations offer a multitude of advantages for NFL offenses:
- Creating Space: By drawing defenders closer to the center of the field, condensed formations can create more open space on the perimeter. This can be particularly effective in the running game, as it forces defenses to defend a wider area with fewer players. According to American Football Monthly, condensed formations expand the field horizontally by manipulating defenders and maximizing the field space from the numbers to the sideline.
- Simplifying Reads for the Quarterback: Condensed formations can simplify coverage reads for the quarterback, allowing them to make quicker decisions and get the ball out faster. A compressed formation with one receiver set out very wide with a “plus split” is a great way to simplify coverage reads for the QB.
- Dictating Defensive Matchups: By aligning players in specific formations, offenses can dictate defensive matchups and create favorable situations for their playmakers. Putting a tight end on the ball or a point man close to the tackle forces the defense to play to the strength of the formation.
- Enhanced Run Game: Condensed sets create more gaps in the run game. When wide receivers are incorporated as blockers, it can create lanes.
- Play-Action Deception: Tight formations are also more threatening for the run, which in turn opens the play-action pass game.
The Impact on the Passing Game
Condensed formations aren’t just about running the ball. They can also be highly effective in the passing game, creating opportunities for quick throws, crossing routes, and play-action passes.
According to Coach Kou’s Substack, condensed sets dictate coverage, and when teams are condensed with three wide receivers, they often bring the safety down to that side. It opens up windows in the passing game on the play action and bootleg game, especially when they motion in the other direction without changing the strength.
Teams Embracing the Trend
Several teams across the league have adopted condensed formations as a key component of their offensive schemes. Besides the San Francisco 49ers, teams like the Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, and Miami Dolphins are among the most frequent users of these formations.
The Texans offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, used condensed formations more than any other team in the NFL this year, averaging about 27 plays per game.
Defending Against Condensed Formations
As offenses increasingly embrace condensed formations, defensive coordinators are scrambling to find ways to counter them. Defending these formations requires a combination of discipline, communication, and versatility.
Some strategies include:
- Combo Coverages: Playing zone on one side and man on the other.
- Pressure: Sending blitzes and applying pressure on the quarterback to force quick decisions.
- Versatile Personnel: Utilizing hybrid defenders who can play multiple positions and adapt to different formations.
The Future of NFL Offenses
Condensed formations are more than just a fad; they represent a fundamental shift in offensive philosophy. By prioritizing efficiency, deception, and adaptability, these formations are giving offenses a new edge in today’s NFL. As defenses continue to adjust, it will be fascinating to see how offenses evolve and innovate to stay one step ahead.
The trend toward condensed formations highlights the constant chess match between offensive and defensive minds in the NFL. It’s a game of adaptation, and right now, offenses are making all the right moves.