How the Lions, and others, are using gap run schemes to win games

The NFL is experiencing a revolution — and evolution — of gap running schemes. Laurie Fitzpatrick gets into how teams are winning with them.

The Detroit Lions (4-6) have won their last three football games and are now sitting in second place in the NFC North. On top of their defense leading the league in takeaways since Week 8, their offense has also been turning heads. Over these last few weeks, the Lions have put up 55 points and not only do they lead the league in rushing touchdowns, but they also have eight games where they exceeded 100 rushing yards.

The way that the Lions are running the ball is what has been exciting to see. They have been attacking defensive lines with power and force, utilizing  gap-style run schemes. Per Sports Info Solutions, they lead the league in backside puller rushing attempts with 50, and also four touchdowns when using it.

With the size of defenders decreasing to match the speed of the game, the rushing attack from offenses have increased. Per ESPN, the league wide average for yards per rush is 4.5, which is the highest in NFL history!

Teams have been able to move defenders easier than ever before.

Let’s dive into the film to see how the gap-style run scheme is taking over the league, and helping teams like the Lions, that maybe don’t have elite quarterbacks, come away with wins!