Rams head coach Sean McVay has this absolute favorite run-blocking scheme, and it’s been straight-up delivering explosive plays for Kyren Williams all season long. But guess what? On Monday night, this whole system is running headfirst into a Buffalo Bills defense that literally nobody has managed to exploit with it yet. It’s McVay’s “man” blocking versus Jim Leonhard’s “wall,” and man, it’s gonna be a clash.
McVay’s Man-Concept: Explosive, But Vulnerable?
So, what are we talking about here? McVay’s “man-concept” run-blocking calls are flying out there 12.8 times per game. That’s the most of any offense in the entire NFL, no joke. Basically, his offensive linemen get specific assignments, pulling guards clear a lane, and Williams just goes. It’s designed to make life easy for his running backs, and it’s been paying off big time. The Rams are sitting pretty with a 47.1% rushing success rate on these man-concept runs, which is 8th in the league. Plus, a whopping 64% of L.A.’s explosive runs have come from this exact scheme. It helps them score, it helps them win. That’s the good part.
Buffalo’s Brick Wall: Stopping Explosive Runs Cold
Now for the bad news for the Rams. The Buffalo Bills? They’re one of just three defenses in the NFL that hasn’t given up an explosive run (talking 10+ yards here) against a man-concept carry. And that’s among teams that have faced at least 15 of these calls. That’s wild. You know Gregory Rosseau is a problem on the edge, leading the league with 6.5 sacks, but don’t sleep on the other guys in their run defense. DeWayne Carter, that 2024 third-round pick? He’s been called an elite run-stuffer this season, and the dude is #1 in the NFL in run stop win rate, clocking in with 22 wins in 39 plays (56%). That’s not a fluke. Even linebacker Terrel Bernard, despite some fans calling him “extremely slow,” is out there making plays and locking down that run game. They’re physical and willing at the point of attack. The Bills probably won’t have defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who left last week’s game, but head coach Joe Brady says it’s not a long-term issue. Still, their core run-stuffers are ready.
This is Jim Leonhard’s first season as a defensive coordinator at this level, after six years at Wisconsin and two helping the Broncos. He’s not exactly off to a blazing start overall, with the Bills ranking 25th in points allowed and 27th in yards allowed. But against McVay’s bread-and-butter run scheme? They are absolutely dialed in.
So, what happens on Monday night? If the Bills manage to shut down L.A.’s rushing attempts out of those man-concept carries, it’s gonna put some serious pressure on the Rams’ offense. Will McVay have to switch things up, or will he keep hammering away at a wall that’s just not breaking? We’ll find out what gives when those two collide.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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