Writers of Pro Football Prospectus 2008

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09 Dec 2008

Eagles' Run Reliance Wind, Not Design

The Philly Inquirer notes that Brian Westbrook's 33 carries were thanks to the conditions on the field, not a change in Andy Reid's scheme.

Of course, it also notes...

Still, only two teams in the NFL have thrown the ball more than the Eagles, and 13 have run the ball fewer times. This season, teams that are most committed to running the ball - such as the Giants, Tennessee, Baltimore, Carolina and Atlanta - are among the most successful.

Ugh.

Posted by: Bill Barnwell on 09 Dec 2008

5 comments, Last at 10 Dec 2008, 8:56am by Xeynon

Comments

1
by Love is like a bottle of gin (not verified) :: Tue, 12/09/2008 - 1:35pm

I bet if a team ran the ball every down they would go 16-0! Silly coaches why won't they look at the vast statistical evidence. Running=Winning

2
by verified (not verified) verified (not verified) :: Tue, 12/09/2008 - 1:52pm

Kneeldowns every play FTW!!!

3
by deep64blue :: Tue, 12/09/2008 - 3:41pm

It also helps that Westbrook is healthy now ..... makes it a lot easier to call a running play doesn't it!

4
by Dave51 (not verified) :: Tue, 12/09/2008 - 5:01pm

What about the Bengals game that had ridiculous wind that was obviously hindering the passing game? You know, the game the eagles called 60 passes?

5
by Xeynon (not verified) :: Wed, 12/10/2008 - 8:56am

I second the "ugh" on that. I don't know that anyone will ever succeed in getting the mainstream football media to understand the difference between correlation and causation. In the Philly media, Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News has consistently pointed out that winning teams overwhelmingly pass first and compile a lot of their rushing attempts when they're grinding the clock with a lead, but he's been a lone voice.

With a team like the Titans, it may be the case that they win because they're a run first team, but that's because they have a great defense, offensive line, and special teams, meaning they can consistently win tight defensive games, with the main risk of game-changing screwups in such games lying in using their mediocre passing game when it's not absolutely necessary. I'm sure if Jeff Fisher had Peyton Manning rather than Kerry Collins at quarterback, he'd be quite happy to pass the ball more.

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