With the 2026 schedule release and the hype surrounding the Harbaugh/McDaniel offensive philosophy, there is a growing sentiment that a run-heavy approach is the key to unlocking the AFC West. However, from a technical perspective, this ignores the evolution of defensive shells currently being deployed to neutralize vertical threats. By prioritizing tight end sets and a traditional ground attack, the team risks wasting Justin Herbert’s elite arm talent in favor of a low-variance system that historically struggles in high-scoring postseason scenarios. The efficiency of the "modern ground game" is a myth when compared to the EPA per play of a sophisticated pass-first offense in the current league climate