Per SumerSports, the Los Angeles Rams used 12 personnel on 15.6% of snaps last season (25th). In Week 1 of 2025, that spiked to 42.1% (4th). An interesting deviation from what is usually the norm for Sean McVay-coached teams.
Historically, McVay and his coaching disciples around the league use primarily 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR), at times leading the NFL in percentage use. With the drafting of Terrance Ferguson and the depth in the current tight end room, it’s clear that that was going to change this season.
Even with Colby Parkinson going down in Week 1, the room is built to live in two-tight-end sets. Davis Allen scored in the opener and continues to grow as an inline/red-zone target, Tyler Higbee is the steady veteran who can attach or detach, and rookie Terrance Ferguson brings length and hands as the flex piece.
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Three playable TEs let Sean McVay toggle between heavy and spread without subbing, which stresses rules and keeps the defense stuck in base looks that they do not want to play against this offense.
Why It Fits This Version Of The Los Angeles Rams
- Run game variety. 12 unlocks duo, wide zone, insert, and toss-crack with real edges. Extra gaps force lighter boxes to declare, and it gives Kyren Williams clean reads while Blake Corum hits change-ups.
- Protection answers. A second TE adds chip and scan help for the tackles and gives Stafford firmer pockets on long downs. You can sell seven-man protection and still leak a TE late. Also helps with blocking due to any shaky OL play.
- Play-action and keepers. From condensed splits, 12 sells run, then creates crossers and sail routes for Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Stafford loves those first-window throws off hard run action.
- Red zone clarity. Bigger bodies, better angles, and Allen/Higbee high-low options make it easier to finish drives.
It also fits the identity of a defense-first group. Shorten games, pound on edges, and pick spots for explosives.
Expect McVay to keep 12 as a core answer while Parkinson rehabs: Higbee-Allen as the base, Ferguson sprinkled as movement and seam stress.
If the early down efficiency holds, that 42.1% usage will be the blueprint.