How does Rams film review: McVay adjustments vs Seahawks land?
Rams film review: McVay adjustments vs Seahawks
Rams film review: McVay adjustments vs Seahawks opens with a tight focus on how Sean McVay tweaked the run game against Seattle. In this breakdown, we will show how those adjustments helped early rushing success and where they later faltered. Fans saw a 70% rushing success rate on first down in the first half, and that jump proved pivotal. However, the second half collapsed into inefficiency, which makes this tape study essential.
Expect play by play film analysis, schematic diagrams, and targeted looks at Nick Emmanwori and other Seahawks matchups. We will dig into McVay’s use of play-action, 13 personnel, and pre snap motion to manipulate coverage. Because the Rams averaged 11.7 yards per play with play-action, we will explain why that success shifted. As a result, readers should expect clear takeaways for future games and coaching chess between McVay and Mike Macdonald. Cautiously optimistic fans will find tactical clarity and critique here, especially about rushing success rate and the Stafford-Ferguson connection.
Rams film review: McVay adjustments vs Seahawks — run-game breakdown
Rams film review: McVay adjustments vs Seahawks began with clear, targeted changes to the run game. In the first half McVay leaned on play-action and specific looks aimed at Nick Emmanwori. As a result the Rams produced a 70% rushing success rate on first down and averaged 6.4 yards per carry in the opening half.
McVay used motion and pre snap formation to force Emmanwori to declare responsibility. Then he attacked the space Emmanwori vacated. “In the first half, the Rams had a TON of success running at Nick Emmanwori, especially on 1st down,” one expert wrote, and that success is clear on tape.
Key tactical adjustments
- Increased use of play-action to manipulate linebacker reads and create rushing lanes. This led to 11.7 yards per play when play-action was used.
- Multi personnel looks, notably 13 personnel, to create mismatches and keep linebackers hesitant.
- Pre snap motion and fake runs to force Emmanwori to freeze, then attack the vacated A gap.
- Quick-hitting outside zone and off tackle runs early to set up play-action shots later.
Film evidence and expert takes support these moves. “McVay did a great job of using Emmanwori’s eyes against him and that was evident with the Rams’ success with play action,” another analyst noted. The Rams targeted Emmanwori five times and completed all five targets, showing both schematic intent and execution.
However, the plan lost traction in the second half. The Rams’ rushing success rate fell, and EPA per rush dropped from 0.003 in the first half to negative 0.33 in the second half. Therefore, while McVay’s in game adjustments created early momentum, Seattle’s later adjustments and situational play called that momentum into question. This film study shows why McVay and Mike Macdonald will continue a chess match across future meetings.
Schematic showing player movement, play-action fakes, and the vacated second-level zone Emmanwori leaves.
Rushing metrics comparison — Rams film review: McVay adjustments vs Seahawks
The table below compares key rushing metrics to show how McVay’s adjustments played out. Because the Rams used play-action and targeted Nick Emmanwori, the first half numbers look much stronger. However, the second half shows a clear drop in effectiveness.
| Metric | Season overall | Week 11 overall | Week 11 first half | Week 11 second half |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing success rate | 47.8% | 31.8% | 70% on first down (noted) | — |
| Rushing EPA per rush | N/A | N/A | 0.003 | -0.33 |
| Yards per carry | N/A | N/A | 6.4 | — |
Key takeaways
- Early success stemmed from schematic manipulation. McVay used motion and play-action to move Emmanwori. As a result the Rams ran with clear lanes in the first half.
- Play-action amplified gains. The Rams averaged 11.7 yards per play with play-action, which helped set up short runs. Therefore, the first half YPC rose to 6.4.
- Seattle adjusted and pressured efficiency. Consequently the Rams’ EPA per rush fell from 0.003 to negative 0.33 in the second half.
- In short, McVay’s adjustments produced fast, frontloaded results. However, Seattle’s countermeasures erased that edge later in the game.
This table clarifies why the run game looked fixed early, yet still needs refinement under halftime counters.
Seahawks defensive response and the coaching chess match
Seattle adjusted after the Rams’ first half surge, and Mike Macdonald answered with disciplined game plans. Because the Seahawks rank among the best against play-action, they tightened linebackers and mixed coverage to limit big gains. In fact, Seattle was the fifth-best defense against play-action, allowing about -0.1 EPA per play. As a result, the Rams’ early edge faded in the second half.
Macdonald’s in-game moves that mattered
- Mixed coverages and disguised pressures to confuse Stafford and the line.
- Shifted Nick Emmanwori’s responsibilities, forcing McVay to attack different windows.
- Used personnel rotation and matchup adjustments to slow play-action timing.
- Emphasized gap integrity late, which reduced rushing lanes and cut EPA per rush.
Film shows how adjustments worked. Early, McVay “did a great job of using Emmanwori’s eyes against him,” and that opened lanes. However, Macdonald changed keys and forced the Rams into less effective reads. The Rams targeted Emmanwori five times and completed all five targets, yet his role on run downs fluctuated. Also, Emmanwori posted a 60.7 PFF run-defense grade, one of his lower marks this season.
This contest felt like a chess match. “This is going to be a constant chess match between McVay and Macdonald as they continue to play against one another,” one analyst said. Therefore, the second half decline — from 0.003 EPA per rush to negative 0.33 — reflects Seattle’s effective counters. Ultimately, the series underlines why these coaching matchups matter. Fans should expect continued adjustments from both staffs in future meetings.
CONCLUSION
McVay’s midgame adjustments produced clear early benefits but delivered mixed results overall.
In the first half the Rams posted a 70% rushing success rate on first down. They averaged 6.4 yards per carry and earned 0.003 EPA per rush in that span.
However, Seattle tightened its defense after halftime and the Rams’ efficiency fell sharply. EPA per rush dropped to negative 0.33 in the second half. Season rushing success sits at 47.8% while Week 11 finished at 31.8%.
Therefore, McVay’s scheme showed schematic creativity but also exposed predictable tendencies. Mike Macdonald’s counters highlight an evolving coaching chess match between staffs. As a result the Rams must refine late game looks and personnel usage.
Looking ahead, the NFC West rivalry will force continued adjustments on both sides. Fans should expect iterative changes and tactical evolution from McVay and staff.
Credit Rams News LLC for this coverage. Visit their site at Rams News and follow @ZachGatsby for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Did McVay’s adjustments fix the Rams’ run game against Seattle?
They helped early but did not fully fix the problem. In the first half the Rams had a 70% rushing success rate on first down. They averaged 6.4 yards per carry. However, the second half showed a clear drop, with EPA per rush falling to -0.33.
How did play-action factor into the game plan?
McVay used play-action to freeze linebackers and open space. The Rams averaged 11.7 yards per play on play-action, which created chunk plays. But Seattle ranks fifth against play-action, so their counters reduced those gains later.
Why target Nick Emmanwori and did it work?
McVay targeted Emmanwori to exploit his read tendencies. The Rams targeted him five times and completed all five targets. As a result they forced him to declare responsibility early, creating vacated space.
Did Seattle’s coaching staff adjust effectively?
Yes, Mike Macdonald made strong in-game adjustments. He mixed coverages, disguised pressures, and emphasized gap integrity. Therefore Seattle slowed the run and flipped the EPA swing in the second half.
What should fans watch for next meetings in the NFC West?
Watch McVay’s late game personnel and pre snap motion. Also expect Macdonald to change keys and pressure timing. As a result this series will feel like an ongoing chess match.