Tired axiom shot down in playoffs' first round (about the Vikings)

**COJOMAY** · 01-08-2008, 11:05 PM

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/13514336.html

[size=12pt]Running the ball wasn't the key to success for the weekend victors, who passed to win.[/size]

Read the story -- It's referring to the Vikes and other teams who believe the running game is what wins for you.

Run the ball, run the ball, run the ball, run the ...

Ah, baloney.

If anything, wild-card weekend was a strike against the NFL's favorite macho mantra, "You Gotta Run Da Ball!" With defenses geared to stuff the run, the winning teams moved on only because they proved, "You Gotta Have a Quarterback, Homeboy!"

Never mind a 100-yard rusher. Wild-card weekend didn't even produce a 70-yard rusher!

**The Dropper** · 01-08-2008, 11:35 PM

Well, except for that dagger of a touchdown by LT that basically won the game for the Chargers.

And the QB draw that Garrard ran on 4th down that killed the clock and basically ensured a Jags victory over the Steelers.

So other than half the games played last weekend a running game made no difference.
:

**ItalianStallion** · 01-08-2008, 11:42 PM

Winning in the playoffs isn't about running the ball unless the weather is bad.
It's about DEFENSE.

**midgensa** · 01-09-2008, 12:55 AM

"ItalianStallion" wrote:

Winning in the playoffs isn't about running the ball unless the weather is bad.
It's about DEFENSE.

Eh it is a little bit of both. 33 of 41 Super Bowl champions were in the top 10 in the league in rushing offense. That is a pretty noticeable number. However, it has seemed to dip in importance. The Pats were 13th, 27th and 7th in their title runs, the Colts 18th and the Bucs 27th. But a good running game historically has been vital to being serious contenders. The Super Bowl champ has averaged finishing 7th in the league in rushing. That seems to be a telling stat.
By the way ... DEFENSE does matter MORE ... but both matter. The average Super Bowl champs defense ... 4.4 and the TOP-RANKED defense has won 13 Super Bowls while 27 Champs have had a top 5 defense or better.

**cogitans** · 01-09-2008, 01:31 AM

There has been a crazy amount of passing the ball in general this year.

No matter how you look at it - touches, yards - there are many players from last season that would have beaten the numbers that tops the stats charts this year.

I'm sure you all felt it in your fantasy leagues too ;D

**Marrdro** · 01-09-2008, 07:04 AM

I believe you have to have at least demonstrated that you can run the ball, show the propensity to do it even though it isn't working and pass off of it when it isn't.

Balance on offense and a damn good defense that has the ability to pressure a QB will always win out in the playoffs my friends.

**josdin00** · 01-09-2008, 07:51 AM

Well, this is what the league wanted when they put the 'point of emphasis' on the illeagal contact rule last year. Their goal was to open up the passing game, and they got it.

**Purple Floyd** · 01-09-2008, 08:07 AM

It's about execution. If you execute your gameplan better than the other team executes theirs you have the chance to move on to the next week.

**ThorSPL** · 01-09-2008, 08:03 PM

A once great football mind said:

"Usually the team that scores the most points wins"

**Garland Greene** · 01-09-2008, 08:13 PM

"The" wrote:

Well, except for that dagger of a touchdown by LT that basically won the game for the Chargers.

And the QB draw that Garrard ran on 4th down that killed the clock and basically ensured a Jags victory over the Steelers.

So other than half the games played last weekend a running game made no difference.
:

Taylor and Jones Drew do seem like a pretty good running duo who's team one the playoffs

But yeah I think its kind of humerous as well.