Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford racked up 374 yards and three touchdowns, with much of the damage coming from the 12 personnel look McVay deployed. TruMedia data show the Rams used 12 more frequently in the playoffs (22.4%) after a regular-season rate of 9.6%, compared to their season-long norm.
Macdonald credited Sean McVay for the approach, noting the Rams’ utilization of 12 personnel stretched Seattle’s defense and created spread-set looks, including Davis Allen splitting out wide. The alignment allowed the other tight end and running back to release into short routes, leaving several deep defensive backs in one-on-one situations.
Seeking an answer, Macdonald did not simply lean on familiar schemes. He described adjusting the plan by increasing pressure on Stafford, even as he conceded there’s a trade-off when altering coverage. The Seahawks’ adjustment on second downs contributed to limiting Rams’ success, but more answers will be needed against a similarly styled Patriots attack.
The Rams repeatedly targeted the spread by aligning Allen and Parkinson out wide, with Kyren Williams and Parkinson releasing on short routes to pull defenders underneath and open up the deep middle. The resulting three-deep look left a handful of Seahawks defenders isolated against multiple receiving options in the middle of the field.
Looking ahead, New England could replicate the Rams’ approach with its own personnel. Veterans Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper at tight end, plus backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson give the Patriots a versatile array to move around and create big plays for receivers such as Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte, should Seattle struggle again with 12 personnel.
Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde will need further adjustments to counter a Patriots squad capable of emulating the Rams’ formation-stretching concept. The matchup at Levi’s Stadium on February 8 could hinge on how effectively Seattle answers these 12-personnel challenges, and whether the defense can evolve its cover-and-pressure mix in time. This article was originally published on Heavy Sports.
