During the 2017 NFL season, each team presented distinct offensive schemes that reflected coaching philosophy, roster strengths, and matchups. Understanding these approaches helps explain scoring outputs, red-zone efficiency, and third-down conversions across the league.
This article breaks down the 2017 offensive schemes by team, highlighting how schemes like spread, West Coast, and power concepts influenced performance in specific markets and game situations.
| Team | Primary Scheme Tendency | Quarterback Profile | Run Game Emphasis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | Spread option, heavy motion | Matt Ryan, pre-snap decision maker | Moderate, outside zone focus |
| New England Patriots | West Coast, route concept heavy | Tom Brady, quick release | Low to moderate, inside zone |
| Philadelphia Eagles | Pro-style with spread elements | Carson Wentz, improviser | Moderate, inside zone |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Vertical spread, tempo | Alex Smith, quick tempo | Low, inside zone |
| Baltimore Ravens | Power run, tight end heavy | Joe Flacco, downfield threat | High, inside run and counter |
| Los Angeles Rams | Spread, heavy 11 personnel | Sean McVay era start, Goff learner | Moderate, zone focused |
| Minnesota Vikings | Spread option, dual read | Case Keenum, improvisation | Moderate, outside zone |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | West Coast, multiple tight ends | Jameis Winston, strong arm | Low to moderate, inside zone |
2017 Spread Offense Systems Across the League
Several teams leaned on spread concepts in 2017 to stretch defenses horizontally and create big-play opportunities. These systems often emphasized motion, multiple WR sets, and quarterback decision-making in the pocket or during designed runs.
Coaches valued quick-hitting throws and perimeter options, which changed how linebackers and safeties allocated responsibilities. The Falcons, Vikings, and Rams exemplified this approach with nuanced tweaks for their specific personnel.
2017 Power Run and West Coast Systems
While spread concepts grabbed headlines, power-based offenses remained relevant for teams prioritizing ball control and inside runs. The Patriots and Ravens built around disciplined line play, tight end sets, and precise timing routes.
West Coast offenses emphasized timing windows, quick outs, and screens, allowing efficient drives even with limited deep threats. This approach suited veteran QB leadership and offensive linemen who excelled at sustaining blocks.
Personnel-Driven Scheme Adjustments in 2017
Teams frequently shifted between schemes during the year based on injuries, opponent tendencies, and emerging young talents. Multiple tight end sets allowed for heavy run support or vertical concepts, while 11 personnel facilitated zone-read variations.
Quarterback skill sets heavily influenced calls at the line, with improvisers like Carson Wentz able to audible into play-action or quick dig concepts, whereas system QBs benefited from simplified reads within structured spread packages.
2017 Defensive Response to Offensive Schemes
Defenses prepared with hybrid coverages to counter both spread and West Coast attacks, including quarters rotations against vertical seams and spy techniques on mobile quarterbacks. Linebacker flexibility became essential to handle tight end blocks and zone read threats.
Coaching staffs invested heavily in film study to identify tendencies between the hashes, third-down formations, and tempo changes that could disrupt a game plan late in contests.
Key Takeaways on NFL Offensive Schemes by Team 2017
- Identify how scheme choices align with quarterback strengths and personnel groupings.
- Recognize that motion and tempo can reshape defensive pre-snap structure.
- Understand the trade-offs between vertical spread attacks and West Coast timing concepts.
- Evaluate how run-game emphasis influences defensive front and linebacker responsibilities.
- Use matchup analysis to anticipate which schemes succeed against particular defensive alignments.
FAQ
Reader questions
How did the Falcons spread scheme in 2017 differ from typical spread teams?
The Falcons combined heavy motion with inside zone run concepts, allowing Matt Ryan to manipulate coverages pre-snap while keeping the run game as a viable option rather than purely a play-action setup.
What made the Patriots West Coast offense efficient in 2017?
Tight timing routes, strong protection from a disciplined line, and Tom Brady’s quick release minimized sacks and moved chains consistently, especially on early downs.
Why did the Ravens rely so heavily on power concepts in 2017?
Their scheme leveraged a physical offensive line and a downhill running back corps to control the clock, protect the lead, and keep defenses from stacking the box against the passing game.
How did tempo influence Kansas City’s vertical spread attack in 2017?
Fast no-huddle sequences with motion forced defenses into difficult coverage substitutions, opening up deep routes and limiting complex front adjustments from opposing coordinators.