All articles tagged with #play calling
After a 20-6 loss to the Patriots, Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy criticized the Steelers’ offense for being overloaded with plays and lacking clean execution; Rodgers said the team must cut the volume and translate practice to the game, while McCarthy acknowledged the need to streamline the game plan. With only one touchdown drive in two games, Pittsburgh prepares for a visit from the 2-0 Bengals.
Virginia’s Charlotte loss exposed a processing-limited QB in Pribula and a stubborn, run-heavy game plan as WVU’s hybrid wing-T offense gashed the Cavaliers for 437 total yards. Pribula struggled to read defenses and adjust to blitzes, while the defense couldn’t contain WVU’s offense; questions arise about play-calling, readiness, and why another quarterback (Holstein) wasn’t given more reps ahead of an ACC slate. The piece also notes the heavy donor-driven roster investment and looming tests like Delaware and Florida State.
Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion will call plays from the coaches' booth this season, citing a higher vantage point, improved vision, and constant staff communication that he says should help coordinate with quarterback Jalen Hurts and the rest of the team.
Sean McVay’s command of communication, game-planning, and adaptability has spawned a league-spanning coaching tree—seven of his assistants have become head coaches, led by Matt LaFleur, Kevin O’Connell, Mike LaFleur, Zac Taylor and Liam Coen—whose teams have repeatedly reached the playoffs and won titles; the article frames McVay as a teacher and kingmaker whose influence grows with every hire, even as he pursues another championship with the Rams.
Brad Idzik, Carolina's new play-caller, turned a Pro Bowl trick play in Seattle into a coaching career and now leads the Panthers’ offense from the sideline, emphasizing player connection, relentless work ethic, and a family-forward football lineage as he aims to mesh with Bryce Young and push the unit forward.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson says he has significantly improved his play-calling and is coordinating a revamped offense around QB Caleb Williams, aiming to get the ball to a weapons group led by Luther Burden, Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet in 2026 after Chicago won the NFC North.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn will personally call the defense this season, saying play-calling is his superpower. The move comes as the team overhauls its staff after finishing last in points allowed and going a season without an interception; with Frank Reich as offensive coordinator and Brian Duker as defensive coordinator, Glenn aims to lift the defense and change the Jets’ fortunes in 2026.
Denver promoted quarterbacks coach Davis Webb to offensive coordinator under Sean Payton, a move that could presage him taking on play-calling duties while also elevating Logan Kilgore to quarterbacks coach as part of a broader staff overhaul following the ouster of Lombardi.
The Philadelphia Eagles reportedly hired Josh Grizzard as their new pass-game coordinator, pairing him with newly hired offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. Grizzard, who previously served as Tampa Bay’s OC and has limited play-calling experience, adds fresh offensive ideas while raising questions about the team’s power structure and how Sirianni, Mannion, and Grizzard will collaborate. The move follows the team’s draft of Mannion and comes after Grizzard’s mixed 2025 season.
The Bills promote Joe Brady to head coach while keeping him as the on-game-day play-caller, highlighting an unusually efficient offense under Brady (strong EPA per play, success rate, and playoff performance). The team aims to add a top wide receiver to unlock more explosiveness and push toward a championship, pairing a strong offense with an improved defense.
Sean McVay praised Ben Johnson as a damn good play-caller, noting his deep understanding of defenses, a flexible system that works with different quarterbacks (like Jared Goff and Caleb Williams), and timely wrinkles such as screen-and-go to seize leads.
Dan Campbell's decision to take over play-calling has positively impacted the Detroit Lions, leading to a dominant win over the Commanders and boosting their NFL power rankings, with analysts viewing it as a sign of their Super Bowl potential.
Josh Jacobs revealed that the Eagles knew their play on a crucial fourth-and-1, which negatively impacted the Packers' offense, highlighting issues with predictability and play-calling in recent games.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over play calling in their game against the Washington Commanders, leading to a dominant 44-22 victory with a balanced offensive performance, including a strong rushing game and efficient passing, marking a strategic change after a previous loss.
Dan Campbell resumed play-calling for the Detroit Lions after a loss, leading to an explosive 44-22 victory over the Washington Commanders, with improved offensive performance and strategic adjustments, including collaboration with offensive coordinator John Morton.