Every NFL team's personnel makeup is different. The Ravens and Eagles are stockpiled with playmaking tight ends. The Saints have quarterbacks who can contribute in different ways. The Browns have two talented running backs. NFL offenses aren't one-size-fits-all.
Finding success when you have the ball means playing to the strengths of your roster and playcaller. That's why you'll see teams run some personnel groupings -- different numbers of running backs, tight ends, wide receivers and even quarterbacks on the field at a time -- more often or just flat-out better than others.
Let's take a look back at the 2019 season and evaluate the offenses that excelled at 11 different personnel groupings, like we did last summer. Which teams ran each set the most and the least, and which ran it the best? And which offenses are the ones to watch in each set during the 2020 season?
Jump to:
21 | 11 | 12 | 22 | 13 | 10
23 | 20 | 2 QBs | 02 | 00
21 personnel (2 RBs, 1 TE, 2 WRs)
Why it works: Once considered the classic "pro" set, operating from 21 personnel gives the offense a lead blocker at the point of attack. And that extra back matters for teams that want to run downhill -- that's the fullback leading up through the hole -- play-action or run-pass options. That stuff is deadly when it mirrors the core running game.
The team that ran it the most: The San Francisco 49ers logged a league-high 270 snaps out of 21 personnel in Kyle Shanahan's offense last season, while also leading the NFL with 153 rushing attempts. It's a combination of playcalling and personnel under Shanahan, with heavily schemed play-action throws and misdirection (pre- and post-snap), along with the ability to gain numbers with fullback Kyle Juszczyk in the running game.
The team that ran it the best: Also the 49ers. In 2019, San Francisco averaged 6.83 yards per play out of 21 personnel -- including a league-best 32 total explosive plays -- while posting 9.59 yards per pass attempt and 5.51 yards per carry. Think of the middle-of-the-field throws here for Jimmy Garoppolo, who led the NFL with 1,055 yards passing out of 21. Play-action and RPOs led Deebo Samuel, Emmanuel Sanders, George Kittle and Juszczyk all to the top 10 of 21-personnel receptions.
Plus, we know the running game can get going out of Shanahan's two-back sets, where Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida all averaged over 4.5 yards per carry on 21 personnel rushes. Want an example? Here's an explosive play run from Mostert against the Steelers, illustrated by NFL Next Gen Stats animation. That's how you scheme to create a running lane.
The teams that ran it the least: Both the Los Angeles Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars failed to run a single snap out of 21 personnel during the 2019 season. While that's expected with Sean McVay's offense in Los Angeles -- a system that leans on 11 and 12 personnel -- I would anticipate the Jags to show more 21 this season under new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, which will cater to the I-back traits of Leonard Fournette.
The team to watch in 2020: I'm looking at the Cleveland Browns here under new coach Kevin Stefanski. With the Browns signing tight end Austin Hooper and trading for fullback Andy Janovich, we should expect Cleveland to lean on 21 personnel sets. That means more play-action throws (and open windows) for quarterback Baker Mayfield, plus heavy volume on the ground with running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. In Minnesota last season, Stefanski's offense posted 212 snaps out of 21 personnel, second behind the 49ers.
11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs)
Why it works: With a tight end on the field, offenses can pick up an extra blocker on the line of scrimmage in pass protection while adding another gap to attack in the running game. And tight ends with passing-game upside give offensive coordinators another weapon in the toolbox to complement the three wide receivers on the field.
The team that ran it the most: The Cincinnati Bengals led the NFL last season with 788 snaps out of 11 personnel. However, they ranked No. 27 in yards per play (5.12), No. 26 in yards per attempt (6.66) and No. 28 in yards per rush (3.98), while also finishing 31st overall in successful play rate at 38.9%. Those are extremely poor numbers for Zac Taylor's offense given the number of snaps here.
But with the addition of quarterback Joe Burrow, who has the traits to produce as a rookie, the return of receiver A.J. Green and improved offensive line play, I expect the Bengals to be more efficient out of their top personnel grouping this season.
The team that ran it the best: In 2019, the Dallas Cowboys ran 713 snaps out of 11 personnel and averaged 7.16 yards per play while registering a league-best successful play rate of 50.4%. Quarterback Dak Prescott averaged 8.47 yards per attempt, with a league-leading 23 touchdown passes. And running back Ezekiel Elliott's 823 yards rushing led all backs on 11 personnel carries.
In addition to converting third downs at 48.1% -- tops in the league -- Dallas generated an NFL-high 54 explosive play receptions and averaged 5.44 yards per rush in this scheme.
The team that ran it the least: The Minnesota Vikings ran only 200 snaps out of 11 last season, and they averaged a league-best 8.49 yards per attempt. However, this isn't really a surprise. That offense under Stefanski leaned on multiple tight end sets last season, with the Vikings ranking in the top five on 12, 22 and 13 personnel snaps.
The team to watch in 2020: Kansas City Chiefs. Yes, the Cowboys should once again register upper-level numbers under new coach Mike McCarthy, given the offensive line play in Dallas and the addition of rookie wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. But let's not sleep on the Super Bowl champs. The Chiefs' 8.47 yards per attempt in this grouping last season tied with the Cowboys, and Patrick Mahomes tossed 21 touchdown passes out of 11 personnel in 14 games.
With the speed K.C. has at wide receiver, plus the matchup ability of tight end Travis Kelce, the Chiefs can jump into trips sets to dice up defensive game plans. And don't forget about rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who has the passing-game traits and running ability to register great numbers as a rookie.
12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TEs, 2 WRs)
Why it works: With two tight ends on the field, offenses can balance the defense out against odd-man fronts. And they gain an extra run gap on the edge in standard 2x2 sets. In the passing game, having two tight ends on the field with route-running skills creates multiple matchups against base defensive personnel and sub-package looks in the nickel and dime.
The team that ran it the most: The Philadelphia Eagles have been a heavy 12 personnel team with Doug Pederson scheming open his tight ends. However, the 508 snaps the Eagles ran last season also came out of necessity, given the amount of injuries at the wide receiver position. There's a reason quarterback Carson Wentz led the NFL with 2,005 yards passing and 13 touchdown throws out of 12 personnel, while tight ends Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert ranked No. 1 and No. 2 with 53 and 41 receptions, respectively.
The team that ran it the best: I'm going with the Tennessee Titans, who averaged a league-leading 8.71 yards per play and a whopping 14.23 yards per pass attempt after Ryan Tannehill took over as the starting quarterback in Week 7. Here, it's a combination of the outside zone runs for running back Derrick Henry and the play-action route tree for Tannehill.
In 2019, Henry led all backs with 683 yards rushing on 12 personnel carries, while Tannehill completed 75.9% of his passes with a QBR of 92.3. Plus, 33 of Tannehill's 41 completions came off play-action. Here's one example: a deep-ball shot out of the grouping to wide receiver A.J. Brown, who racked up 511 yards receiving on just 18 receptions in 12 personnel.
From his own end zone...@RyanTannehill1 to A.J. Brown for the 91-YARD TD! @brown1arthur #TENvsOAK #TitanUp
— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2019
📺: CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/D5AfU98qAh pic.twitter.com/aPaWz3bj8y
The team that ran it the least: The Los Angeles Chargers ran only 66 snaps out of 12 personnel in 2019, and I wouldn't expect a big jump in 2020 even with a change at quarterback. Last season, the Chargers ranked in the top 10 in 21 and 11 personnel snaps. Because of that, we should expect a similar script for veteran Tyrod Taylor to start the season.
The team to watch in 2020: If Cam Newton is healthy and starting, then look for the New England Patriots -- who drafted two rookie tight ends -- to scheme more play-action throws this season. Seams and crossers from two-tight-end sets that give Newton defined windows to attack. And keep an eye on tight end Devin Asiasi out of UCLA. He can stretch the middle of the field.
22 personnel (2 RBs, 2 TEs, 1 WR)
Why it works: Similar to discussing 13 personnel, lining up in 22 gives the offense the ability to build more run gaps along the line of scrimmage while adding a lead blocker out of two-back sets. Plus, it forces the defense to use eight- and sometimes nine-man boxes, which creates more isolation matchups outside for the single wide receiver on the field.
The team that ran it the most: The Ravens led the NFL with 179 snaps out of 22 personnel last season, ranking No. 3 in yards per carry at 4.06 and No. 4 in yards per attempt at 6.06. Quarterback Lamar Jackson and running backs Mark Ingram II and Gus Edwards all ranked in the top 10 in rushing yards from 22 personnel snaps.
The team that ran it the best: The Vikings' 4.88 yards per play, and 44.3% successful play rate, led all NFL clubs with at least 100 snaps out of 22 personnel. And while running back Dalvin Cook did average 4.34 yards per carry, with a league-leading three touchdown runs, out of 22 personnel, it was more about the play-action passing game with Kirk Cousins here. Cousins went 16-of-20 on play-action throws out of 22 personnel -- averaging 9.65 yards per attempt -- with tight end Kyle Rudolph and fullback C.J. Ham combining for 12 receptions.
The teams that ran it the least: The Rams and Jaguars both failed to run a snap out of 22 this past season, and seven teams -- including the Chicago Bears -- ran five snaps or fewer.
The team to watch in 2020: The Las Vegas Raiders ran 111 snaps out of 22 personnel in 2019, and I would anticipate a similar approach again this season. Given the downhill traits of Josh Jacobs, the Raiders can lean on their power-run schemes. And with rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III bringing his 4.27 speed to Vegas, coach Jon Gruden can script some deep-ball throws and quick-game targets off play-action for quarterback Derek Carr.
13 personnel (1 RB, 3 TEs, 1 WR)
Why it works: With three tight ends in the game, offenses can set a heavy edge (building multiple gaps), use unbalanced sets and cater to the quarterback run game. Plus, with a heavy look on the field, the play-action passing game steps up, leading to tight ends running corner and seam routes or using delayed releases to work back across the formation.
The teams that ran it the most: The Raiders and Titans tied at No. 1 with 94 snaps each in 13 personnel. Last season, the Raiders averaged 6.38 yards per attempt and 4.72 yards per rush, while the Titans' play-action passing game boosted their yards per attempt to 8.94. However, Tennessee posted 2.96 yards per rush, surprisingly low given the offensive line talent in front of Henry on zone schemes.
The team that ran it the best: The Ravens posted some ridiculous numbers out of 13 personnel, starting with a successful play rate of 60.7% on 61 snaps. Baltimore averaged 8.11 yards per play, 10.71 yards per pass attempt and 5.08 yards per rush. Plus, Jackson completed 75% of his throws while leading the league with six touchdown passes.
All three of the Ravens' tight ends -- Nick Boyle, Mark Andrews, Hayden Hurst -- ranked in the top 10 on 13 personnel receptions. Remember, with three tight ends on the field, the Ravens created both blocking angles and numbers in the running game while throwing seams and crossers against single-high coverage defenses. Here's an example on Jackson's touchdown throw to Marquise Brown in a Monday night win over the Rams, per NFL Next Gen Stats animation. Throw the seam ball for six! Too easy.
The team that ran it the least: The Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers and Chiefs didn't run a single snap of 13 personnel in 2019, with Washington, the Chargers, New York Giants and New Orleans Saints all running fewer than 10 snaps on the season.
The team to watch in 2020: The Vikings. Yes, Stefanski is now in Cleveland, but with veteran playcaller Gary Kubiak, the Vikings can use misdirection, boot and play-action for Kirk Cousins -- who completed 23 of 29 passes out of 13 personnel last season.
10 personnel (1 RB, 4 WRs)
Why it works: With four wide receivers on the field, offenses can spread out opposing defenses horizontally. That allows them to put defenders in conflict with today's run-pass option concepts. With just six-man protection, however, the quick-passing game takes precedence.
The team that ran it the most: The Arizona Cardinals led the NFL with 316 snaps out of 10 personnel, which is reflective of both personnel and scheme under coach Kliff Kingsbury. Kyler Murray led the NFL with 219 pass attempts, far ahead of Tom Brady in the No. 2 spot (48 attempts). Arizona also led the league with 74 rushing attempts in this grouping.
The team that ran it the best: It has to be the Cardinals, given the 1,412 yards passing from Murray, along with the league-leading 153 yards rushing he produced on QB designed runs and second-reaction plays. And those numbers should get a boost in 2020 with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins now in the mix for Arizona.
Here's an example of the Cardinals using 10 personnel to attack a quarters scheme against the Detroit Lions. They occupy the safeties, open up the deep void in the middle of the field and release the running back to create an inside matchup on the seam throw from Murray.
Kyler Murray has his first NFL TD 🙌#DETvsAZ (via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/yr4wFxG4Aa
— ESPN (@espn) September 8, 2019
The teams that ran it the least: The Chiefs, Eagles and Green Bay Packers were among 16 teams that didn't run a snap out of 10 personnel last season, with the Cowboys, Lions and Vikings checking in with one snap each.
The team to watch in 2020: The Steelers have to be mentioned here, but what about the Houston Texans? With Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb now in Houston, to pair with Will Fuller V and Kenny Stills, I expect to see more of a perimeter passing game for quarterback Deshaun Watson. And while the Texans won't suddenly go heavy on 10 personnel, they have the speed at wide receiver and mobility of Watson to spread the field more.
23 personnel (2 RBs, 3 TEs)
Why it works: Also referred to as jumbo or goal-line personnel, having a two-back set with three tight ends on the field allows offenses to reduce the formation in short yardage and tight red zone situations. But as we have seen in the past, creative playcallers will bring 23 personnel on the field and spread out the formation to create matchups.
The team that ran it the most: The Ravens ran 16 snaps of 23 personnel this past season, running the ball on 13 of those plays. The Buffalo Bills ranked No. 2 at 15 snaps.
The team that ran it the best: We have to go with Baltimore again here, as the Ravens scored nine touchdowns on those 16 snaps. Ingram posted a league-leading six touchdown runs out of 23 personnel, while Jackson totaled three scores (two pass, one run). With the threat of downhill runs on the goal line, the scheme also gave Jackson the option to hit his tight ends on play-action.
The teams that ran it the least: Twelve teams -- including the Patriots and Seahawks -- didn't run a snap last season out of 23 personnel. And that could continue with more clubs spreading the field to attack inside when the ball is in scoring position.
The team to watch in 2020: Quarterback Josh Allen had three touchdown runs on the Bills' 15 snaps out of 23 personnel last season. Now, add rookie running back Zack Moss to the mix. The Utah product has the downhill traits -- size, contact balance and power -- to win with pad level on the goal line.
20 personnel (2 RBs, 3 WRs)
Why it works: A personnel grouping that was mainstream during my time in the league, 20 personnel allows offensive coordinators to motion a back out to create 3x1 or 2x2 spread sets, while also stretching the defense in the running game or pulling guards against odd-man fronts. And don't forget about the true play-action 20 personnel presents.
The team that ran it the most: The Browns totaled 77 snaps out of 20 personnel, with 75 of those snaps coming in Weeks 9-17, after Hunt returned from suspension. That allowed the Browns to use two-running-back sets, while scheming for both Hunt and Chubb.
The team that ran it the best: We will stick with Cleveland here, as the Browns averaged 8.09 yards per attempt and 5.38 yards per rush. Chubb rushed for 142 yards at 7.0 yards per carry, and Hunt tied for second in the NFL with eight receptions out of 20 personnel. However, with Stefanski's history of multiple-tight-end sets, I expect to see far less 20 personnel for the Browns this season.
The teams that ran it the least: The Rams, Eagles and Vikings were among 11 teams that didn't register a snap out of 20 personnel this past season.
The team to watch in 2020: Yes, the Bears signed tight end Jimmy Graham and drafted Cole Kmet from Notre Dame. Chicago's roster is simply overloaded with tight ends heading into training camp. However, given the skills of running back Tarik Cohen in the passing game, can coach Matt Nagy sprinkle in some 20 personnel snaps here? This team needs a better plan to get Cohen loose as a receiver.
2 QB personnel
Why it works: Bringing two quarterbacks onto the field is all about gadget plays. When that second quarterback has the athleticism to take off and run, however, it gives the offense a numbers advantage on designed runs.
The team that ran it the most: With the versatility of Taysom Hill, the Saints ran 206 snaps of 2 QB personnel in 2019. And while Hill took only 15 snaps as a quarterback, his ability to align in multiple spots -- slot, tight end, split wide and in the backfield -- allowed coach Sean Payton to scheme specifically to get him the ball. Outside of the Saints, only the Chargers (five snaps), Ravens (four snaps) and Titans (one snap) used 2 QB personnel in 2019.
The team that ran it the best: It's clearly the Saints here. In 2019, Hill completed 3 of 6 passes for 55 yards. However, he also rushed for 156 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries, while adding six scores as a receiver to go along with his 234 yards on 19 receptions. And with Jameis Winston now in New Orleans as the No. 2 behind Drew Brees, we should expect Hill's usage as a versatile piece in the game plan to continue.
The @Saints have been utilizing @T_Hill4 in various ways all season. Here's an example from @MattBowen41 that shows how Hill can be a game changer for their offense! #INDvsNO | #Saints @gregcosell | @MikeTriplett pic.twitter.com/r04p9r0cUJ
— NFL Matchup on ESPN (@NFLMatchup) December 16, 2019
The team to watch in 2020: With the Eagles drafting quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round, I would prep for Philly to roll out some 2 QB personnel in 2020. The Oklahoma product has the athletic traits to produce on designed run concepts, with the Eagles also in a position to scheme passing-game concepts with both Hurts and Wentz on the field.
02 personnel (2 TEs, 3 WRs)
Why it works: A personnel grouping I used to see often as a player -- we called it "Joker" -- this gives offenses another way to align in an empty set with tight ends on the edge to aid in pass protection. That creates a six- or seven-man line, with tight ends who can release as checkdown options or work the middle of the field.
The team that ran it the most: Tampa Bay ran a league-high 37 snaps of 02 personnel last season. Winston completed 20 of 31 passes for 167 yards (5.39 yards per attempt) with four touchdowns and one interception in 02 personnel.
The team that ran it the best: The Ravens had only 14 snaps out of 02 personnel, but their production jumps out a bit. The Ravens averaged 9.89 yards per pass attempt, as Jackson completed 7 of 9 passes for 89 yards and three touchdowns. Plus, with Jackson's ability to pull the ball down, he rushed for 50 yards on four carries.
The team to watch in 2020: I'm looking at the Bucs with Brady. Quick-game throws underneath with tight ends Rob Gronkowski and O.J. Howard in the game should be part of the offense. Plus, Brady can use a tight end to shift to a wing based on how he sets the protection for longer-developing routes, with wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on deep in-breakers.
00 personnel (5 WRs)
Why it works: With five wide receivers on the field, opposing defenses can expect empty formations. But with only a five-man protection scheme, defenses can bring pressure and force the quarterback to unload the ball quickly.
The team that ran it the most: The Steelers ran 17 snaps of 00 personnel, with 15 of those snaps coming in the first two weeks of the season, when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was healthy. After that? Just two snaps for a total of 1 yard. Outside of the Steelers, only five teams lined up in 00 personnel: the Cardinals, who registered four snaps, along with the Bears, Miami Dolphins, Buccaneers and Patriots with one snap apiece.
The team that ran it the best: During those first two games of the 2019 season, Roethlisberger completed 7 of 15 passes for 38 yards in 00 personnel. Remember, the ball has to come out hot here. However, with the limited snap counts across the league for 00 personnel, the Steelers are the only team that registered viable numbers here.
The team to watch in 2020: It has to be the Steelers. Over the past two seasons, Pittsburgh has run 49 snaps out of 00 personnel, with the Bills and Cardinals checking in at No. 2 with four snaps apiece. And the personnel is in place for the Steelers to at least show some five-wide-receiver looks in 2020 with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, James Washington, Ryan Switzer and rookie Chase Claypool.