CJ will use Caley as an excuse if his play doesn't improve. I'm more of a working relationship guy. (Belichick/Brady) not a friendship thingy. Slowik's days were numbered the day he asked CJ whiteboard questions and then Hannah drafted CJ.
Caley's system is built around Sean McVay's motion concepts to identify defensive coverage pre-snap. His experience with the Rams involved incorporating diversified motion to create favorable angles in both run and pass games, but more importantly, to force defenses to declare man vs zone coverage before the snap. This motion-heavy approach allows Stroud to identify coverage quickly and make real-time adjustments - a dramatic shift from the previous rigid system. Primary Coverage Identification Expect heavy use of orbit motion, jet sweeps, and tight end shifts to force safeties and linebackers to declare their responsibilities. When defenders follow the motion, it's man coverage; when they pass off assignments, it reveals zone principles. Core Package Philosophy Based on Caley's background, expect three primary packages - 12 Personnel Heavy (his Patriots specialty with Gronkowski/Henry) Gap Scheme Power (his Rams evolution from outside zone) Motion-Based Spread (McVay influence with pre-snap movement) The fundamental change, unlike so to Slowick, Stroud will have tools to take full ownership and pre-snap control, including audibles and protection adjustments based on what the motion reveals about defensive alignment. Primary Personnel Packages & Usage 11 Personnel (3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB) - Base Package Standard Downs (1st & 10, 2nd & Medium) Formation: Collins outside, Kirk in slot, Higgins opposite Key Concept: Focus on exploiting inside lanes with gap scheme blocking Motion Usage: Expect heavy pre-snap movement to create favorable angles, particularly with Noel's speed on jet motion Run Game: Power/gap concepts with Mixon between the tackles, using Schultz as an in-line blocker Quick Game (2nd & Long) Formation: Collins and Higgins outside for size mismatches, Kirk underneath Concept: Three-level passing attack utilizing Collins' contested catch ability and Kirk's route precision Protection: Clear rules in protection system with communication and trust up front 12 Personnel (2 WR, 2 TE, 1 RB) - Caley's Specialty Short Yardage & Goal Line Formation: Caley is well-versed in 12-personnel packages from his Patriots/Rams experience Personnel: Schultz and Jordan both on field for maximum blocking and receiving versatility Concept: Power running with multiple blocking angles, play-action opportunities off run fakes Red Zone: Expect fade routes to Collins/Higgins with Schultz/Jordan working intermediate zones Third & Medium (3-7 yards) Formation: Tight bunch formations with tight ends creating pick plays Concept: Quick developing routes with tight ends running option routes based on coverage Mismatch Creation: Force defenses to declare coverage pre-snap, allowing Stroud to identify favorable matchups 21 Personnel (2 WR, 1 TE, 1 FB, 1 RB) - Power Concepts Short Yardage & Goal Line Personnel: Caley coached Pro Bowl fullback James Develin with Patriots Formation: I-formation and offset looks with lead blocker Concept: Mixon/Chubb power duo behind fullback lead blocking Play Action: Deep shots to Collins off power run fakes 10 Personnel (4 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB) - Spread Concepts Third & Long (8+ yards) Formation: Collins, Higgins, Kirk, and Noel creating four different route concepts Concept: Four-vertical concepts with Stroud's pre-snap reads determining route adjustments Mismatch: Two 6'4" receivers (Collins/Higgins) plus Kirk's slot precision and Noel's speed Situational Packages Empty Backfield - Third & Long Formation: Empty backfield formations on third down were a staple of Caley's experience Personnel: Five receivers with maximum route combinations Protection: Five-man protection with hot routes built in for Stroud's audibles Concept: Flood concepts and pick plays with receivers creating natural rubs Heavy Goal Line - 22 Personnel (2 WR, 2 TE, 1 FB, 1 RB) Situations: Goal line, 4th & 1, short yardage Formation: Multiple tight ends and fullback for maximum blocking Concept: Power O, lead draws, and quick slants to bigger receivers Mismatch: Force defense into heavy personnel, then motion to spread concepts Nickel Beater - 13 Personnel (1 WR, 3 TE, 1 RB) Situations: When defense shows nickel coverage Personnel: Schultz, Jordan, plus additional tight end Formation: Trips tight end formations with single receiver Concept: Force defense to declare coverage, then exploit with crossing routes and picks Motion & Misdirection Concepts Jet Motion & End Arounds Personnel: Noel's speed on jet sweeps and reverses Setup: Motion to create favorable blocking angles Concept: Use motion to identify coverage and create numbers advantages Tight End Motion & Flex Concepts Personnel: Schultz flexing out wide to create mismatches Formation: Start in 12 personnel, motion to 11 personnel looks Concept: Force linebackers to cover tight ends in space Run Game Philosophy Gap Scheme Implementation Concept: Transition from outside zone to gap scheme approach, dramatically increasing man blocking usage Personnel: Mixon/Chubb power running style perfectly suited for gap concepts Blocking: Inside zone with back-side pull concepts Outside Zone Complements Concept: Stretch plays to set up gap concepts Personnel: Mixon's vision and cutting ability on stretch plays Misdirection: Counter plays off stretch action Offensive Line Protection Schemes Philosophy: Protection starts with communication, trust and cohesiveness with clear rules Collaboration: Caley has history with OL coach Cole Popovich from their New England days Adjustment: Expect more slide protection concepts to help with Stroud's pre-snap control Red Zone & Scoring Packages Fade Package Personnel: Collins and Higgins' size advantage on fade routes Formation: Spread formations with height mismatches Concept: Back-shoulder fades and corner routes Tight Formation Power Personnel: Multiple tight ends with Mixon/Chubb power Formation: Goal line sets with pulling guards Concept: Lead power and iso concepts Bunch Concepts Personnel: Tight bunch formations with multiple receivers Formation: Pick plays and rub routes in tight quarters Concept: Option routes based on coverage with tight ends and slot receivers Caley's system prioritizes flexibility and player-driven adjustments over rigid scheme adherence. The emphasis on pre-snap control, gap scheme running, and 12-personnel versatility should maximize the Texans' current personnel while addressing the protection issues that ruined the 2024 season. Success hinges on the offensive line's ability to execute clear protection rules with communication and work together.
Great post Man I hope CJ can pull this off. He's got a lot more responsibilities. We're going to find out if he's the football savant he claims to be.
