The NFL is a passing league, a quarterback driven league. NFL teams are constantly in search of a franchise quarterback or finding weapons to complement their current franchise quarterback. This league is dominated by play at the quarterback position. Having a good quarterback is the key to success. The league has shifted to favor offenses, and defenses are left out to dry. Defenders are fined for plays that would have been highlight reel material just ten years ago. Run first teams are seemingly a thing of the past. Everything revolves around offense.
What if I told you that the focus on the offensive based, passing league is being flipped upside down?
Courtesy: Washington Post
The Seattle Seahawks ranked first in scoring defense, total defense, and pass defense. They also ranked seventh in rush defense. Their offense centered on the ground game. Passing for a 26th ranked 202 yards a game, the Seahawks somehow managed to rank ninth in points scored; their rushing offense ranked 4th. This team centered on physical defense and a dominant run game would become the 1st seed in the NFC. Not the New Orleans Saints or the Green Bay Packers, both typically noted for their high-powered passing offenses, but the Seahawks.
Seattle played the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round of the playoffs. Drew Brees, who was the Superbowl MVP just a few seasons ago, was held to a 55.8 completion percentage and one touchdown. The second ranked passing offense in the NFL could only muster 15 points against the Seahawks. Russell Wilson had a mediocre day as well, completing nine of 18 passes for a measly 103 yards. Marshawn Lynch powered Seattle’s offense, as he racked up 140 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Seattle’s running game and defense led the way to a 23-15 victory and an NFC Championship game appearance.
Similarly, the offense of the New England Patriots was focused on running backs LeGarrette Blount and Stevan Ridley and not Tom Brady. Brady, one of the league’s most prolific passers, completed a mere 13 passes for under 200 yards. He threw no touchdowns in the 43-21 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Blount carried the football 24 times and gained 166 yards, averaging nearly seven yards a carry. He scored four touchdowns himself. Ridley added 52 yards and two touchdowns of his own. The Patriot defense also intercepted quarterback Andrew Luck four times. Like the Seahawks, the Patriots won on the effort of their defense and the running game.
The San Francisco 49ers are the fifth seed in the NFC but made it to the NFC Championship game, in spite of the 30th ranked passing game. The 49er rushing offense ranked third and the offense ranked 11th in scoring. The defense ranked third in scoring, fifth in total yards, fourth in rushing, and seventh in defense. This formula led the 49ers to a 12-4 record and post season wins over the Green Bay Packers and the Carolina Panthers.
The old adage goes “Pass to score, run to win.” This philosophy was on its way to becoming obsolete and outdated, but it may have gained some support. Another old adage says, “Defense wins championships.” Despite the emphasis on prolific, passing offenses, these sayings have remained true. Physical defense and a strong running game still have a place in modern football. Not only do they have a place, but they are the formula of a championship team.
