Kyle Shanahan and the “X-Receiver”
There’s been much made about offensive guru Kyle Shanahan and his overuse of the “X-receiver” in today’s game. But did he start a legitimate trend or is it just a fallacy?
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is truly one of the brightest offensive minds in the National Football League. Through his years as an offensive coordinator in Houston, Washington, Cleveland, and Atlanta, Shanahan has gotten a ton of praise for his deceptive game plans and genius tactics, and rightfully so.
But for all the great, applaudable things the 39-year-old coach does, there’s one thing people always criticize him for. His overuse of the “X-receiver.” It’s become a common theme in Shanahan’s offenses, as the X-receiver typically dominates. But is it truly a bias Shanahan displays towards that particular position, or has it just been blown out of proportion by the media and fans? Let’s take a look.
What Is The X-Receiver?
Before we really get into it, let’s first define what the “X-receiver” actually is. You’ve likely heard the term, as commentators on broadcasts so commonly use connotations like “the X, the Z, the F.” But what does that X-receiver position really mean? And what does it entail for the guy who plays it? Commonly known as the “split end,” the X-receiver has a few unique qualities. For starters, it’s the one receiver that has to line up directly on the line of scrimmage. Once lined up, the X is rarely motioned around the field, he usually stays put until the ball is snapped. And since he’s right on the line of scrimmage, they’re expecting press coverage on the regular.
As a result, the X-receiver gets almost no leeway in being moved around the field to try to create mismatches. And so, that receiver is expected to have the speed and size to work the boundaries and make plays. Most often, the X ends up being the No. 1 wide receiver in your offense. Playing the split end, they’re generally matched up against the defense’s No.1 cornerback.
Traditionally, only bigger receivers got the chance to play the X. Calvin Johnson, Dez Bryant, Terrell Owens, those big-bodied receivers were the ones who dominated the position. And while teams would have loved to put a faster, speedier guy on the boundary, the worry always was that those smaller guys wouldn’t survive the physicality of press coverage.
But as time has gone on, things have evolved. The guys who stands 5’10” or less, Antonio Brown, Tyreek Hill, T.Y. Hilton have all led a new wave of undersized receivers dominating the X position. These smaller receivers are showing they can beat the press with ease, allowing for true burner speed on the outside.
What Offense Does He Run?
Kyle Shanahan is innovative, he’s creative, he’s one of the genuine offensive masterminds in the NFL. His offensive system is a combination of the highly popular West Coast offense with a zone-run scheme. So what exactly does this mean?
In today’s NFL, teams are trying to control possession with the short passing game. In effect, keeping quarterbacks upright and avoiding hits. With that mindset, the West Coast offense is making something of a resurgence. The design of the offense stretches out the defense with the short, horizontal passing game, only to bait the defense and take deep shots down the field.
A staple of the West Coast offense is that it’s generally pass-heavy. Teams replace a good amount of those rushing attempts with short passes. But Shanahan doesn’t just go “by the book.” He takes elements of the West Coast offense in the passing game and combines it with an effective zone-run scheme to achieve balance.
As its name suggests, the scheme has to do with zone blocking. Offensive linemen are tasked with clearing zones, rather than 1-on-1 matchups. It’s worked very well for Shanahan, as he’s been able to maintain true balance throughout the years. But above all, he’s shown the propensity to adapt to the team he has.
The X-Receiver In Shanahan’s Offenses
There’s a reason the narrative has been built up. More often than not, the X-receiver in Shanahan’s offense produces at a very high level. The longtime offensive coordinator has had the honor of coaching some generational talent throughout his career.
Andre Johnson is a virtual lock for the Hall of Fame. Julio Jones looks like he’s on the same path. Looking at those two examples it would seem to explain why the X-receiver receiving so many targets, but even a solid player like Pierre Garcon (who played the X) had his best years under Kyle Shanahan. So it brings up the question, is Shanahan simply force feeding his No. 1 receiver?
The “Extreme” Cases
Taking a look at the numbers, there are three years that stand out more than most. Listed below are the few seasons where that No. 1 receiver really dominated the stat sheet as a true target hog. As you can see, the disparity between No. 1 and No. 2 is quite significant:
Those three seasons, the X-receiver led the team in targets by at least 100. In Shanahan’s 11 years of coaching, these are the years where the No. 1 receiver dominated the hardest. And while that may fuel the fire, it’s interesting to note that those teams finished 4th, 9th, and 7th in total yardage respectively.
But there’s also an explanation for each of those seasons. Just look at the supporting casts. In 2009, all Andre Johnson had behind him was Kevin Walter (who never eclipsed 899 yards in a single season for his career) and an injured Owen Daniel, who missed half the season. In 2008, Daniels played all 16 games and notched 101 targets while Walter had a healthy 95. But the most important thing to consider is, Johnson was a beast. He was going to get his targets no matter what.
In 2013, Pierre Garcon became the focal point of the offense with very little behind him. Santana Moss was 34 years old and a promising Jordan Reed would only play 9 games before the injuries caught up to him. So Shanahan did what he had to do, he got Garcon the ball early & often, keeping the offense afloat in whatever way possible.
When you look at that 2015 Atlanta Falcons team that had Roddy White, one of the best receivers of the 2000s, you might think the ball should be spread out better. But that year, he was more namesake than anything. At 34 years old, White was deteriorating quickly. In fact, 2015 was his last year in the league. And once again, with very little help around the X, Shanahan schemed around his No. 1 guy.
It Isn’t All Bad
Maybe it sounds like excuses, and to some degree it is. But there have been the years where the X-receiver isn’t the main guy. In 2012, without a real No. 1 receiver, the Redskins work was split amongst four guys. Josh Morgan (73), Pierre Garcon (68), Santana Moss (62), and Leonard Hankerson (57). Of course, Garcon only played 10 games that year, but with a deeper supporting cast, Shanahan was able to spread the ball around for a Top 5 offensive finish.
In 2010, Santana Moss was targeted 145 times followed by tight end Chris Cooley with 126. The targets were spread out more evenly that season as well. And it’s interesting to note, Moss caught almost half those targets playing as the slot receiver. It’s more than just lining up your guy at the X, it’s all about versatility.
One year after Julio Jones’ 203 target campaign, the Falcons acquired a true No. 2 receiver in Mohammed Sanu. Jones received 129 targets while Sanu was slotted at 81 targets. Just last season, it was tight end George Kittle who led the 49ers in targets at 136. With a thin receiving core, Kittle was clearly the most explosive player on this team and was treated as such.
For each year you look at it, there’s a similar trend. Either a player who doesn’t play the X leads the team in targets, or they’re distributed much more equally.
But the thing people seem to forget is, your No. 1 wide receiver should be the one leading your team in targets. There’s a reason you pay him to be that guy. But of course, you also don’t want to be too reliant on just one player. That’s how offenses become too predictable and eventually, ineffective. The best coaches know how to make the best out of what they’re given.
A True Talent Maximizer
The thing you have to love about Kyle Shanahan is his ability to adapt. Not just to one wide receiver or another, but to his team as a whole. In 2013 with Robert Griffin III, the read-option offense he installed was lethal. He played Griffin to his strengths, as a runner, in the play action, and as a deep ball thrower. Griffin not only won offensive Rookie of the Year, but rookie running back Alfred Morris also balled out with 1,613 yards and 13 touchdowns as the Redskins made the playoffs for the first time in five years.
Shanahan hones in on the talent he has, not just the X-receiver in his offense. 2018 was the perfect example. George Kittle was clearly the 49ers best player and his coach knew it. But Shanahan didn’t force his tight end to have to prove it all by himself, and schemed ways to get Kittle open for big plays time and time again.
There’s so much flexibility. His offenses have been ranked all the way from 3rd highest in rush attempts to 31st. He understands the impact of running the ball and using it to fuel the play action, but you need to adapt to the personnel you have. That’s exactly what Shanahan has done his entire coaching career.
Even the obvious ones make for interesting cases. Garcon and his 181 targets translated to career highs of 113 receptions and 1,346 yards. Shanahan got him the ball in creative ways. On screens, slants, crossing routes. Garcon’s biggest asset is his Yards After the Catch (YAC) ability, and the elite coach honed in on that to set up his receiver for success.
The 2016 season where Julio Jones had “only” 129 targets, Shanahan was handed new talent to work with. He used the speedy Taylor Gabriel in creative ways. On bubble screens, end arounds, even as a deep threat. He knew he had to get Gabriel the ball in space where he was extremely dangerous.
The production in Shanahan’s offenses will continue to come from the talent, not the “X.” Devonta Freeman’s 97 targets as a running back in 2015 were no fluke. He’s just that good. Freeman is one of the best receiving backs in the NFL when healthy. And that year he proved it. Freeman proved a perfect fit for Shanahan’s zone-run scheme and was equally adept at catching balls out of the backfield.
When you watch the highlights of a Kyle Shanahan-coached team, the first thing you might ask yourself is, “how is that guy so open?” Well, that’s the genius in his coaching. The guy knows how to scheme his players wide open. Deception and baiting, Shanahan knows how to draw you in before blowing right past you. Just ask Matt Ryan how easy it was to throw for 4,944 yards and 38 touchdowns (versus only 7 interceptions) in 2016 en route to winning the NFL MVP award.
But There Is Some Truth To It
There’s no denying that X-receivers have fared better in Shanahan’s offenses. But I genuinely ask you, is that such a bad thing?
The fact is, every play-caller has their own style. Every offense will emphasize something or another. For some guys it’s running backs, others it’s tight ends. Some preach pace, some the deep ball, the list goes on and on with different ideologies. Shanahan’s offenses have featured the X-receiver more than others, but that’s really not something to look down upon.
Kyle has never ignored talent. The perception of that really comes from a year where Julio Jones picked up 203 targets, but it’s deeper than that. Sometimes there just isn’t enough talent on the roster. When you have those dynamic playmakers, it’s smart to use them. It just happens that most of those game-breaking players were X-receivers.
We saw it last year in San Francisco, where Shanahan wasn’t afraid to hone in on anyone. George Kittle, Marquise Goodwin, Dante Pettis, it’s about playmakers, not the position they play. So whatever you do, don’t confuse the 49ers head coach for someone who can’t tell the difference.
What To Expect In 2019
The 2018 San Francisco season seemed to be lost three games into it, when franchise quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo went down with an ACL tear. Then to make things worse, the receiving core couldn’t stay healthy. With C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens taking snaps under center, it was a tough time to be a 49ers fan.
But 2019 brings new hope to a team really looking for a spark. It’ll start with a revamped receiving core. After a mini-breakout towards the end of the season, Dante Pettis looks like he’s going to play the X-receiver in this offense. I know what you’re thinking, but don’t be so quick to assume Pettis will lead this team in targets.
The versatile Pettis can play all three receiver positions, and he’ll likely be bookended by 2nd rounder Deebo Samuel, the talented wideout from South Carolina with serious after-the-catch skills. The 49ers also spent a 3rd rounder on Jalen Hurd out of Baylor. Hurd stands big at 6’5”, 225 pounds. He brings serious versatility as a mismatch guy after playing running back his first three years at college.
Marquise Goodwin is still a solid talent who’s expected to play a “Taylor Gabriel” type role next season. Third year Trent Taylor seems to be the forgotten man, but the talented slot receiver has been working with wide receivers coach Wes Welker this offseason. The Niners even signed a solid depth piece in Jordan Matthews.
And it’s not just the wide receivers, the Niners have a talented stable of running backs. Matt Breida has proven to be an excellent receiver. Jerrick McKinnon is expected to come back and make an impact. Free agent Tevin Coleman had his best years as both a runner and receiver in Atlanta.
And of course, we have George Kittle, who’s making his case to be crowned as the best tight end in the NFL. Suffice to say, the 49ers have a LOT of talent. It’s going to be exciting to see how Kyle Shanahan delegates and works the pieces off each other. And if you still believe he loves his X-receivers too much, 2019 will prove you wrong.
All statistics courtesy of Pro Football Reference.
