The NFL is evolving, reflecting cyclical trends where offenses and defenses constantly adapt to outsmart each other. As teams explore the speed of play, particularly in terms of time between snaps, 2025 recorded the slowest average at 29.6 seconds—a reflection of increased use of motion and complex play-calling. The Los Angeles Rams are highlighted as a key team to watch, especially with their new assistant head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who has historically employed fast-paced, no-huddle offenses. The article suggests that while defenses have tightened their strategies, offenses may push back by increasing tempo to disrupt defensive setups.

By the Numbers
  • The average time of possession between plays for NFL offenses in 2025 was 29.6 seconds, the longest since 2000.
  • Motion was utilized on 63.3% of offensive snaps in 2025, up from 46.2% in 2018.
  • League-wide missed tackle rates decreased from 14.1% in 2018 to 12.6% in 2025.
  • Group tackle opportunities increased from 80.9 per game in 2018 to 98 in 2025.
Yes, But

While offenses are focusing on speed and efficiency, defenses have responded effectively by adapting their strategies, particularly with increased zone coverage and better tackling, challenging offensive teams' traditional approaches.

State of Play
  • The Rams led the league in no-huddle plays at 5.4% outside the two-minute warning in 2025, a significant decrease from previous years.
  • Coaches are increasingly using motion to confuse defenses, which has resulted in longer communication times and delays between plays.
  • Quarterbacks are adjusting to both faster-paced plays and tighter defensive schemes that have evolved in response to earlier offensive trends.
What's Next

Expect teams like the Rams, under Kingsbury, to experiment with faster tempos and innovative strategies to counter aggressive defenses, potentially transforming how offenses will operate moving forward.

Bottom Line

As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, maintaining a balance of offensive speed and defensive adaptability will be crucial. Teams that innovate will likely find success, as the pressure to outpace defenses becomes paramount in the coming seasons.