Analyst notices changes in Chip Kelly’s play-calling

Chip Kelly’s first tenure in the NFL did not end smoothly, as the transition from college to the pros proved difficult to navigate.

The past few years have seen Kelly return to the college ranks and boost his stock. Last year, Kelly called plays for the high-powered Ohio State Buckeyes offense that ultimately won a national championship. While Kelly was blessed to have an abundance of NFL-level talent throughout his roster, he was able to put them in positions to fully maximize their strengths and get the ball in the hands of his best playmakers.

One analyst took notice of the changes between Kelly at the end of his NFL run and now, and the evolution is a promising sign for Las Vegas Raiders fans.

The differences in Kelly’s play-calling suggest he has learned the right lessons.

On a recent appearance of The Mina Kimes Show, NFL analyst Ryan Clark shared how Kelly has changed the way he controls offenses.

“Yes, I am. He changed,” said Clark. “In a day and age where what he started in college football is what everybody does.”

“He had three pros on the outside [at Ohio State] … There were times where, I’m obviously sitting in the stadium when they’re playing Notre Dame, who’s beat up up front, and he’s like, ‘You know what? We’re gonna go 12 [personnel]. We’re gonna run the football. We’re gonna find ways to use 21 [personnel], and even though I have all these people on the outside, this is where I can win.”

Kelly’s shift in tactics and willingness to attack weaknesses in opposing defenses, along with a quick play-calling style designed to wear the opposition out, means the Raiders will likely employ various personnel sets.

The highest-paid coordinator in the NFL, Kelly now oversees a Raiders offense that the team invested heavily this offseason in revamping. Quarterback Geno Smith should expand the playbook dramatically, while the NFL Draft saw the Raiders add playmakers such as running back Ashton Jeanty and wide receivers Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. With tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers already in tow, Kelly has quite the collection of talent to work with in his return to the NFL.

The Raiders now hope that the results of Kelly’s offense matches their investment.