Watch: Dan Orlovsky broke down how Rams brilliantly changed up their offense in Week 1
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Sean McVay has made 11 personnel the base of his offense, deploying three receivers, one running back and one tight end more than 90% of the time. However, in Week 1 against the Houston Texans, there was a big change in that philosophy.
According to Sumer Sports, the Rams were in 11 personnel just 56% of the time, which was 22nd in the NFL. That came after they used 11 personnel more than any team in the NFL in 2022 and 2023, while also ranking second in 2024.
So what did McVay utilize instead? 12 personnel, with one running back and two tight ends. The Rams were in 12 personnel 42% of the time, the fourth-highest rate in the league. Dan Orlovsky provided a great breakdown on ESPN, showing how the Rams used these groupings to get their wide receivers open against safeties and linebackers.
The full video is worth your time.
This is a real NFL offense@RamsNFL@Hawkpic.twitter.com/reoLxLvoci— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) September 10, 2025
With more depth at tight end, the Rams have the luxury of using 12 personnel often. They can trust Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson and Davis Allen to make plays as receivers and block in the run game. And that doesn't even include Terrance Ferguson, who didn't play a snap on Sunday.
McVay didn't necessarily use 12 personnel to get his tight ends involved, seeing as they only combined for three catches and 7 yards with a touchdown and lost fumble. But their presence on the field forced the Texans into their base 4-3 defense, which allowed McVay to create mismatches with Puka Nacua in the slot.
Each game is different but we'll see if that trend continues against the Titans this weekend.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams offense: Dan Orlovsky broke down LA's changes in Week 1
