NFL Tactical Spotlight: Formation Shifts, Blocking Schemes & Roster IQ Gains

As training camps wind down and preseason wraps up, a wave of technical evolution is reshaping NFL strategies. From shifting philosophical frameworks to nuanced scheme enhancements and depth-builder performances—here’s what the tactical trends reveal.

1. Packers Pivot to Power Blocking to Boost Efficiency

The Green Bay Packers are undertaking a philosophical shift by strengthening their offensive line, favoring mass and interior push over finesse. By acquiring beefier linemen like Kinnard, Banks, Belton, and Sean Rhyan, the Packers aim to enhance both run-blocking and inside pass protection. This aligns with advanced metrics such as Expected Points Added (EPA), and intends to push their rushing efficiency into positive territory, especially benefitting workhorses like Josh Jacobs.

Tactical Takeaway: A dominant interior line minimizes third-and-long risks and sustains tempo. By winning the battle at the point of attack, offensive coordinators can unleash play-action, delay passes, and manipulate DB matchups.

2. Colts’ Hidden Gems Flash Strategic Acumen

In Week 3 preseason action, Colts players on the cusp of the roster showed smart, scheme-aware football. Anthony Gould stood out with crisp route-running on “Gillette” and “Raffle-Slants.” Rookie QB Riley Leonard executed a complex “Trips Rt Y-Flounder H-Sneak” concept, reading a two-high safety shell with poise. Meanwhile, safety Daniel Scott thrived in a Cover 1 Robber look—intercepting a bootleg and returning it for a score.

Tactical Takeaway: Schemes are only as good as their execution. Roster bubble players who understand route concepts and coverage manipulation can translate that into real-game impact—which often wins roster spots.

3. Seahawks Embrace Under-Center Play and New Blocking Approach

Seattle’s offense, under new OC Klint Kubiak, is departing from shotgun dependence, instead leaning heavily on under-center formations—26 of 40 plays in one first-half demo. This stylistic adoption comes from the Shanahan tree and signals a shift toward play-action and traditional power schemes seen from teams like the 49ers and Rams.

Meanwhile, “Pre-Snap Reads” details how Kubiak’s blocking overhaul is transforming the run game. His new scheme—highlighted by motion usage, guard-centric blocks, and flexible zone adjustments—could elevate rushing output significantly.

Tactical Takeaway: Less shotgun means more deception and pace control. Coupled with a reimagined blocking model, the Hawks seem poised to operate a more balanced, playable ground-and-action offense.

4. Jets Double Down on Smash-Mouth Philosophy

The New York Jets have leaned into a physical, run-first identity under coach Aaron Glenn and OC Tanner Engstrand. Fielding Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and mobile QB Justin Fields, the Jets plan to skew toward consistency over explosiveness—in effect sacrificing deep shots for clock-dominating gains. Glenn defended the approach by pointing to successful models like the rush-heavy Eagles.

Tactical Takeaway: A methodical, run-centric offense can control tempo and wear down defenses—potentially mitigating risks introduced by inconsistent pass protection or developing QB play.

5. Depth-Level NFL IQ Raises Scheme Fluidity

Teams rich in depth—both on offense and defense—are enabling more fluid play designs. As seen with the Colts’ combo of smart, versatile backups, and the Seahawks retooling spacing and blocking, roster intelligence allows coaches to expand playbooks without sacrificing execution.

Tactical Takeaway: Players who understand situational football and scheme movement—especially in complex concepts like Robber coverages or motion-based run designs—offer far more strategic value than raw athletes alone.

Tactical Trends Summary

Final Word

NFL offenses in 2025 are becoming more intentional—whether through line investment, formation changes, or roster intelligence. Power-blocking lines team up with hybrid formations, while teams like the Jets and Seahawks focus on identity-first execution. And perhaps most interesting, the next tier of players are earning roles by thinking as well as playing.