Half of survivors run among elite
This weekend’s divisional playoffs demonstrate the NFL’S pass-dominant mindset, with four of the league’s five best passing teams.
But the other four clubs present a compelling argument for the rushing game.
Running has been key for the Denver Broncos (No. 1), Houston Texans (second), San Francisco 49ers (eighth) and Baltimore Ravens (10th). While it has offset second-tier passing games on one hand, it has allowed them to throw as necessary and create the balance needed to confuse defenses.
They’ll need it even more to earn another weekend.
“Anytime you can really have great balance, it makes it harder to defend,” said Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, who rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown along with throwing for 316 and two scores in Sunday’s overtime wild-card victory vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.
All four teams have a 1,000-yard rusher: Willis Mcgahee (Broncos), Arian Foster (Texans), Frank Gore (49ers) and Ray Rice (Ravens). And their receiving talents give Tebow, rookie T.J. Yates, Alex Smith and Joe Flacco passing options.
Sunday’s Texans-ravens game in Baltimore pits Rice (2,068 yards from scrimmage, 15 touchdowns) against Foster (1,841, 12), who rushed for 153 yards and two TDS in a wild-card win vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. The Texans also have Ben Tate (1,040 yards, four).
“It’s been a pass-friendly league,” Rice said, “but if you look at where I put myself, I gave you 13 (1,364 rushing yards) and seven (704 receiving) to put myself at 2,000. Just doing my job rushing and receiving, I think, will be good enough Sunday. Running backs will be used a lot in the playoffs.”