- Joined
- Jun 20, 2010
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- Name
- The Dude
During Fisher's last three years in Tennessee, the Titans had the 2nd most rush touchdowns, the 4th most rushing yards and the 8th most rushing attempts. During Fisher's last three years, the Titans had a record of 27-21 with 2008 being the last playoff appearance which resulted in a first round loss to Baltimore. They went 13-3 that year, but were 2nd in the league in turnover ratio. Chris Johnson obviously skews some of these rushing totals and numbers all by himself too.
Conversely, last year the Giants were 32nd in rushing, the Packers were 27th and the Patriots were 20th. They combined to go 37-11 in the regular season and the Giants and Patriots played in the Super Bowl. The Packers only lost one game and were bounced from the playoffs by the Giants in the first round while Eli proceeded to drop 330 yards & 3 TD's on them (and the team rushed for 85 yards and 1 TD).
So I ask.
Can a run-first team succeed in the NFL? I'm not interested in what else it takes to win (like a stout defense). I'm simply wondering if that particular offensive philosophy is a sound one in this day and age. And yes, a strong running attack can set up the pass. That's the only solace I take from those statistics.
Conversely, last year the Giants were 32nd in rushing, the Packers were 27th and the Patriots were 20th. They combined to go 37-11 in the regular season and the Giants and Patriots played in the Super Bowl. The Packers only lost one game and were bounced from the playoffs by the Giants in the first round while Eli proceeded to drop 330 yards & 3 TD's on them (and the team rushed for 85 yards and 1 TD).
So I ask.
Can a run-first team succeed in the NFL? I'm not interested in what else it takes to win (like a stout defense). I'm simply wondering if that particular offensive philosophy is a sound one in this day and age. And yes, a strong running attack can set up the pass. That's the only solace I take from those statistics.