Photo via CBS Sports

How NFL defenses are combatting unexpected rise of under-center offenses

NFL offenses are increasingly operating from under center this season, pushing the league's usage rate to 42 percent through the third week, which marks the highest frequency recorded since 2013. Early-down situations have seen an even higher concentration of under-center snaps at nearly 50 percent, paired with a record leaguewide success rate of 47.4 percent.

The shift is heavily driven by outside zone rushing concepts popularized by offensive minds like Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, which currently account for nearly 40 percent of designed runs.

In response to this growing trend, defensive units are deploying an unprecedented level of aggression by blitzing under-center passes at a staggering 51 percent clip. This defensive approach utilizes linebackers and cornerbacks to disrupt condensed offensive formations and outside zone schemes.

According to data tracked by TruMedia, these aggressive blitz metrics represent the highest rates recorded since tracking began in 2006, highlighting a fierce tactical battle between playcallers and defensive coordinators across the league.

Up nextNFL· 23m ago

Jerry Jones on Joey Porter Jr. trade: "It's important to think big"