NFL offenses shift to under-center strategies for success
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 2:06 PM
Last updated Aug 21, 2026
NFL offenses are increasingly adopting under-center formations to enhance their performance. This shift emphasizes heavier personnel and a greater focus on the running game, leading to improved passing statistics. Last season, teams utilizing under-center strategies averaged 7.66 yards per attempt compared to 6.84 yards from the shotgun formation. Successful teams like the Ravens and Bengals are adjusting their approaches to keep defenses uncertain. As the trend grows, teams are expected to integrate these strategies into their playbooks for the upcoming season.
- •More teams are prioritizing under-center formations for added effectiveness.
- •Passing attempts from under center showed improved averages over shotgun.
- •Baltimore Ravens are increasing under-center work for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
- •Cincinnati Bengals are adjusting their strategy after poor under-center usage last season.
- •Successful offenses are focusing on run-fakes to exploit defensive weaknesses.
- 2:06 PMYahoo Sports — Top NFL offenses all seem to have one thing in common
"There might be a trend starting in the NFL.
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