yes. mcvay himself is a shanahan disciple. both he and kyle cut their teeth under shanahan senior in Washington. it’s all heavy play-action based on wide zone. difference is mcvay had a better QB than kyle shanahan has had, his OL was not a great run blocking unit last year, his RBs were mid, and cooper kupp was going god mode so they started to pass more than usual, which was a good adjustment. obviously each guy has his own wrinkles but fundamentally that system revolves around the run game.
McVay sets up the run with the pass. In terms of play philosophy, yes, similar, but how they do it is completely different.
McVay is heavily depending on 11 personnel and the usage of the passing game prior to using various zone concepts in an attempt to soften defenses with personnel and play tendencies. Which is kinda what we need more, not fully, but kinda.
Shanahan runs the ball much more and in much bigger variety. He is an outlier in the league because he runs so much 21 personnel because he has a FB/H-Back who can do many things. But there is more power, more pulls from guards and tackles, more sweeps and screens with Aiyuk and Samuel, etc.
The fact that Shanahan is producing these numbers tho is kinda telling about his schematic ability. The offense hasn't missed a beat with Brock Purdy and thats really impressive.
We need someone to dictate defenses and their personnel. I dont want to see condensed formations and loaded boxes on 3rd and short where you desperately try to force something up the middle. Its 2022, throw the **** ball.
Riley is the perfect guy that this offensive personnel needs. A good blend of schematic ability, fundamental plays and ability to dictate and setup defenses.