Why the Running the ball is Overated
 

Here is the list of the Superbowl winners in the past couple of years in the Nfl and their rushing and scoring defense ranking.

XLVI Rushing offense Scoring Defense
New York Giants 32 25

XLV
Green Bay Packers 24 2

XLIV
New Orleans Saints 6 20

XLIII
Pittsburgh Steelers 23 1

XLII
New York Giants 4 17

XLI
Indianapolis Colts 18 23

XL
Pittsburgh Steelers 5 3

XXXIX
New England Patriots 7 2

XXXVIII
New England Patriots 27 1

XXXVII
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27 1

XXXVI
New England Patriots 13 6

XXXV
Baltimore Ravens 5 1


At best its a 50/50 proposition that a good running team wins the Superbowl. I did not include the old stats because with the Nfl passing rules emphasis its a different game now. What is consistently true is you need a good defense to win a Superbowl especially us (note we were 1,2 and 6 in our Superbowl seasons) .The Giants were ranked low in both their wins but i don't need to tell patsfans how good their defenses actually were.Hence, i don't understand why Bill and Josh are now convinced that being a running team will win us a Superbowl.Let's not mess with something that is not broke. Great defenses win you championships not balanced offenses.

Re: Why the Running the ball is Overated
 

The Offense's job is to score points. If what we do best is run, then we should run. But if what we do best is pass............well then maybe we should pass.

Re: Why the Running the ball is Overated
 

Running the ball in one particular game may not be necessary, Running the ball over the course of a season is absolutely necessary.

We saw week one what a strong running game can bring. Brady is a great play action QB and with a weak o-line, that will keep defenders off of Brady.

Running the ball is not as important as it once was, but it is still important.

Re: Why the Running the ball is Overated
 

If you're end goal is winning the SB every phase of the game is important. The Pats certainly don't need a dominating run game, but they need an effective and diverse one. Running it between the tackles for 4.5yds a pop 20 times a game does nothing to help open up the middle of the field for the passing game. This problem gets further compounded when you lack a true outside receiver.

Re: Why the Running the ball is Overated
 

It's all about situational football: you need to be able to run the ball when running the ball is the thing to do.

Re: Why the Running the ball is Overated
 

If we have to possibility to gain 5 yards on a run, as we can with Ridley, then it really helps the offense. You get less stalled drives and you can continue to move the chaines.

If you can run good, it helps slowing down the pass rush as they have to account for the run too.

Re: Why the Running the ball is Overated
 

Much of the Pats (short) passing game is really a run, just not between the tackles as a typical run maybe, so it's kinda tough to peg the Pats rushing game either way.

Re: Why the Running the ball is Overated
 

running wont directly win a championship...but having a more balanced offense helps...because it generally forces the defense to have to account for more than just the pass...and also really helps with play-action.

Re: Why the Running the ball is Overated
 

This comment right here (yours) is probably going to be the most relevant to the entire thread.

Running the ball may not be as important as it once was considered, but it keeps defenses from focusing in on the pass, may catch them off balance with the precious play action, and also helps to control the clock, keep the defense off of the field, and is an older QB's best friend.

That said, I would still expect a higher percentage to be dedicated to Brady and the passing attack, which is what the offense revolves around. I just don't think it should be what it was last year, and I think we need something closer to 55/45 pass (what it was the year before).

Re: Why the Running the ball is Overated
 

Running lets you manage the clock. Wear down defences. and make your offence less predictable