NFL Preseason Takeaways: Which Offenses Have Changed the Most?

While fans get excited about individual player performances in the preseason, we often learn a lot more about offensive scheme changes heading into the new season.

With tons of new coaches and offenses trending toward heavier looks, 2026 shapes up as a year of major changes across the NFL, and we saw that in the first full week of preseason action.

Which NFL Offenses Changed the Most in the 2026 Preseason?

In looking at a variety of factors and comparing the 2026 preseason to 2025 on first-half early downs, the following offenses changed the most dynamically:

Falcons
Eagles
Dolphins
Broncos
Chargers
Seahawks
Ravens
Bengals
Raiders
Commanders

The biggest league-wide trend was a decline in shotgun rate, with more and more teams working on under-center offense to dictate personnel and matchups.

Let's look at each of those teams individually to see what they have changed and what signals to watch for when projecting performance, usage, and opportunities in 2026.

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Atlanta Falcons Offensive Changes

Kevin Stefanski’s offense saw the most change of any since the 2025 season.

They decreased their shotgun rate from 78.4% on first-half early downs (#3) in 2025 to 46.2%, which would have ranked #27 last season.

They also dropped the air yardage, led by starting QB Tua Tagovailoa.

His first action with Atlanta was underwhelming as the offense produced almost nothing (3 of 5, 22 yards).

Zero attempts traveled even five yards in the air, and he averaged -0.2 air yards, lowest of any QB in a preseason game so far this season.

In part this was due to an 80% pressure rate, as the offensive line gave Tagovailoa little help, a theme worth tracking up front.

Tagovailoa leaned heavily on TE Kyle Pitts, who drew all 4 of his targets.

The Falcons increased their rate of 11 personnel on first-half early downs from 36.6% in 2025 (#28) to 92.3% in 2026, which would have ranked #1 of 32 in 2025.

The Falcons decreased their pre-snap motion rate on first-half early downs from 71.7% in 2025 (#3) to 30.8% in 2026, which would have ranked #32 of 32 in the 2025 NFL field.

Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Changes

The backup-QB battle (Tanner McKee vs. Andy Dalton) and a new Sean Mannion offensive scheme framed the takeaways from the Eagles' first preseason game.

The Eagles decreased their shotgun rate on first-half early downs from 75.4% in 2025 (#5) to 35.3% in 2026, which would have ranked #31 of 32 in 2025.

The Eagles increased their rate of 12 personnel on first-half early downs from 30.2% in 2025 (#12) to 58.8% in 2026, which would have ranked #1 of 32 in 2025.

The Eagles increased their rate of passes thrown at or behind the line of scrimmage on first-half early downs from 22.0% in 2025 (#24) to 50.0% in 2026, which would have ranked #1 of 32 in 2025.

This was led by Dalton and McKee, who averaged 0.7 and 1.8 air yards, respectively, on first-half early downs.

The Eagles decreased their air yards per attempt on first-half early downs from 7.3 in 2025 (#11) to 1.4 in 2026 — an 80.8% decrease that would have ranked #32 of 32 in 2025.

Even incorporating the second half, the Eagles averaged just 4.2 air yards on early downs.

Overall, this was one of the largest structural offensive swings for any team.

Miami Dolphins Offensive Changes

Unlike the Eagles, the Dolphins increased their air yards per attempt on first-half early downs under new OC Bobby Slowik from 6.0 in 2025 (#25) to 12.1 in 2026 — a 101.7% increase that would have ranked #1 of 32 in the 2025 NFL field.

Miami led the NFL in overall air yardage in Week 1 at 13.4.

Malik Willis averaged 12.8 air yards himself.

The offense didn't do much beyond Willis' drive, and depth was a concern once backups entered.

HC Jeff Hafley called Willis “extremely composed and very accurate,” crediting the line's protection.

Under the new scheme, the Dolphins decreased their shotgun rate on first-half early downs from 68.1% in 2025 (#9) to 28.0% in 2026, which would have ranked #32 of 32 in 2025.

Remarkably, the Dolphins decreased their rate of passes thrown at or behind the line of scrimmage on first-half early downs from 33.5% in 2025 (#3) to 0.0% in 2026, which would have ranked #32 of 32 in 2025.

Additionally, the Dolphins increased their rate of 12 personnel on first-half early downs from 9.5% in 2025 (#30) to 32.0% in 2026, which would have ranked #11 of 32.

Denver Broncos Offensive Changes

I’m excited about the changes the Broncos are making to their offense, and it was on display under new OC Davis Webb in their first preseason game.

Despite backups Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger taking the only QB reps, the Broncos increased their air yards per attempt on first-half early downs from 7.1 in 2025 (#15) to 13.8 in 2026 — a 94.4% increase that would have ranked #1 of 32 in the 2025 NFL field.

The Broncos increased their rate of passes thrown 10+ air yards downfield on first-half early downs from 27.3% in 2025 (#25) to 54.5% in 2026, which would have ranked #1 of 32.

The Broncos decreased their rate of 3+ WR sets on first-half early downs from 65.3% in 2025 (#3) to 44.4% in 2026, which would have ranked #23 of 32.

Fourth-round RB Jonah Coleman impressed with a decisive, physical running style alongside the starters.

With 20 of 22 starters back from the AFC Championship Game, roster spots are scarce, which raises the stakes for every rep this preseason.

Los Angeles Chargers Offensive Changes

With a new OC (Mike McDaniel), we knew we would see a different offense in LA, and it was fun to watch.

The Chargers increased their rate of 2+ RB sets on first-half early downs from 34.6% in 2025 (#3) to 76.9% in 2026, which would have ranked #1 of 32 in 2025.

The Chargers increased their air yards per attempt on first-half early downs from 7.3 in 2025 (#11) to 9.6 in 2026 — a 31.5% increase that would have ranked #1 of 32.

The Chargers increased their rate of passes thrown 10+ air yards downfield on first-half early downs from 30.9% in 2025 (#15) to 58.3% in 2026, which would have ranked #1 of 32.

A solid opening night for the rookie class, led by LG Jake Slaughter, who looked comfortable under pressure.

Slaughter delivered the most impressive rookie performance while sharing time at center and guard.

Seattle Seahawks Offensive Changes

With many questions as to how the new offense would look without Klint Kubiak, we saw new OC Brian Fleury modify things only slightly in his first game.

It was Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe at quarterback, but the Seahawks decreased their air yards per attempt on first-half early downs from 8.1 in 2025 (#6) to 2.9 in 2026 — a 64.2% decrease that would have ranked #32 of 32 in the 2025 NFL field.

And the Seahawks increased their rate of passes thrown between the numbers on first-half early downs from 48.7% in 2025 (#9) to 83.3% in 2026, which would have ranked #1 of 32.

It’s hard to take anything away from the performance.

Virtually all starters rested in Seattle's first game since winning the Super Bowl, keeping the focus on depth, but it will be interesting to see how things develop over the preseason as starters work their way in.

Baltimore Ravens Offensive Changes

Under new OC Declan Doyle, we saw the Ravens increase their rate of 11 personnel on first-half early downs from 26.0% in 2025 (#31) to 62.1% in 2026, which would have ranked #6 of 32 in the 2025 NFL field.

The Ravens decreased their shotgun rate on first-half early downs from 61.0% in 2025 (#14) to 37.9% in 2026, which would have ranked #31 of 32.

The Ravens decreased their pre-snap motion rate on first-half early downs from 54.5% in 2025 (#22) to 20.7% in 2026, which would have ranked #32 of 32.

Dropping pre-snap motion rates was a consistent theme for many teams, but it could be something interesting to watch in Baltimore.

Camp star WR Ja'Kobi Lane carried his banner summer into the game, scoring a touchdown and catching all 3 targets (3 catches, 38 yards).

Fourth-round TE Matthew Hibner made a strong case for the No. 3 tight end job with 5 catches and 61 yards.

Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Changes

Despite no changes at QB, HC, OC, and starting the 1’s during the first quarter, there still were several changes that stood out in Cincinnati.

The Bengals decreased their air yards per attempt on first-half early downs from 6.9 in 2025 (#19) to 4.0 in 2026 — a 42.0% decrease that would have ranked #32 of 32 in 2025.

The Bengals increased their rate of passes thrown at or behind the line of scrimmage on first-half early downs from 25.3% in 2025 (#16) to 54.5% in 2026, which would have ranked #1 of 32.

The Bengals decreased their shotgun rate on first-half early downs from 75.8% in 2025 (#4) to 54.2% in 2026, which would have ranked #23 of 32.

Comparing Burrow on all downs last preseason to this one, his air yardage dropped from 5.1 last year to 4.3 this year, and his shotgun rate dropped from 88% to 57%.

Las Vegas Raiders Offensive Changes

This is Klint Kubiak’s team now, and he has made several changes, the most pronounced being a much more under-center and motion-heavy approach.

The Raiders decreased their shotgun rate on first-half early downs from 56.8% in 2025 (#23) to 36.8% in 2026, which would have ranked #31 of 32 in 2025.

The Raiders increased their pre-snap motion rate on first-half early downs from 49.6% in 2025 (#29) to 63.2% in 2026, which would have ranked #11 of 32.

The Raiders increased their rate of 2+ TE sets on first-half early downs from 45.4% in 2025 (#7) to 57.9% in 2026, which would have ranked #1 of 32.

The Raiders decreased their rate of passes thrown at or behind the line of scrimmage on first-half early downs from 31.9% in 2025 (#5) to 11.1% in 2026, which would have ranked #32 of 32.

Kirk Cousins was efficient in a one-drive cameo (5 of 6, 50 yards, TD).

No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza showed resilience and arm talent (10 of 16, 97 yards, TD), but Mendoza struggled badly under pressure (2 of 6, 11 yards, 42.4 rating), the clear area to clean up.

Washington Commanders Offensive Changes

Offensive coordinator David Blough replaced Kliff Kingsbury and made several changes.

With backups taking most of the reps in the first preseason game:

The Commanders decreased their shotgun rate on first-half early downs from 85.0% in 2025 (#1) to 50.0% in 2026, which would have ranked #26 of 32 in 2025.

The Commanders increased their rate of 12 personnel on first-half early downs from 28.8% in 2025 (#13) to 39.3% in 2026, which would have ranked #4 of 32.

The Commanders decreased their pre-snap motion rate on first-half early downs from 57.8% in 2025 (#18) to 35.7% in 2026, which would have ranked #32 of 32.

The Commanders increased their air yards per attempt on first-half early downs from 7.1 in 2025 (#15) to 8.4 in 2026 — a 18.3% increase that would have ranked #3 of 32.

The Commanders decreased their rate of passes thrown at or behind the line of scrimmage on first-half early downs from 27.5% in 2025 (#12) to 16.7% in 2026, which would have ranked #30 of 32.

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