📽️ FILM ROOM

Scheme Breakdowns

Diagramming the X's and O's — scheme concepts, tendency analysis, and coaching philosophy.

The Signpost Pick: What Genesis Smith’s Acquisition Tells Us About O’Leary’s Defense
LATEST
The Signpost Pick: What Genesis Smith’s Acquisition Tells Us About O’Leary’s Defense

The Chargers' acqusition of Genesis Smith could signal a shift towards a more aggressive defensive scheme under new Defensive Coordinator; Chris O'Leary.

RW
Ryan Watkins May 15, 2026 5
The Guard Spot Isn’t Broken. It’s On Brand.
The Guard Spot Isn’t Broken. It’s On Brand.

The Chargers’ guard grades look alarming in a vacuum. But Mike McDaniel has never had two guards grade above 60 in the same year. The data says this roster is built to draft BPA, not fill a hole that doesn’t exist.

KD
Kyle DeDiminicantanio Mar 24, 2026 14
Why Chris O’Leary is not just Jesse Minter 2.0
Why Chris O’Leary is not just Jesse Minter 2.0

Jesse Minter’s coaching legacy is followed by Chris O’Leary, who will look to emphasize aggressive defensive strategies for the Chargers in 2026 and beyond.

RW
Ryan Watkins Feb 12, 2026 4
Harbaugh x McDaniel = A Modern Ground Game Built on Traditional Roots
Harbaugh x McDaniel = A Modern Ground Game Built on Traditional Roots

Ryan looks at how the marriage of Mike McDaniel’s Zone scheme will work with Jim Harbaugh’s Power background.

RW
Ryan Watkins Feb 7, 2026 9
Mike McDaniel’s Scheme Explained
Mike McDaniel’s Scheme Explained

Despite past disappointments, Chargers fans feel optimistic with Mike McDaniel’s innovative offensive approach, blending Shanahan principles to enhance team success.

RW
Ryan Watkins Jan 29, 2026 9
Replacing Greg Roman: My Ranking of the Offensive Coordinator Candidates
Replacing Greg Roman: My Ranking of the Offensive Coordinator Candidates

Ryan Watkins evaluates candidates for Jim Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator role, highlighting fits, experience, and urgency.

RW
Ryan Watkins Jan 15, 2026 11
Why Brian Daboll should be the Chargers’ next offensive coordinator
Why Brian Daboll should be the Chargers’ next offensive coordinator

When I set out the key traits that I believed the Chargers should use as search parameters for their next offensive coordinator, the name that could satisfy the…

RW
Ryan Watkins Jan 15, 2026 5
How I think Jesse Minter should gameplan for the powerful Patriots’ offense
How I think Jesse Minter should gameplan for the powerful Patriots’ offense

Ryan took a look at how he thinks Jesse Minter and his defense should look to slow down Drake Maye and his explosive Patriots’ offense

RW
Ryan Watkins Jan 11, 2026
Ladd McConkey’s regression is real, but it is serving a vital function – Part 2: Film Review
Ladd McConkey’s regression is real, but it is serving a vital function – Part 2: Film Review

In Part 2 of his analysis into Ladd McConkey’s regression Ryan looks at the film to understand how both the player and the scheme can find solutions to his issues.

RW
Ryan Watkins Jan 6, 2026 1
Ladd McConkey’s regression is real, but it is serving a vital function – Part 1: Data Analysis
Ladd McConkey’s regression is real, but it is serving a vital function – Part 1: Data Analysis

Ladd McConkey’s 2025 season saw a significant decline in efficiency and production despite consistent involvement in the offense. Ryan dives into the numbers to explain where this regression has come from.

RW
Ryan Watkins Jan 1, 2026 6
Around the Cloud

Cloud Community

Fan-written analysis, scouting reports, and takes from the StormCloud community. Every voice in the storm.

Have a take? Write it up.

Start a Storm
View All Community Posts →