The league’s most effective ground attacks are those units that consistently gain significant yardage through running plays. These teams typically exhibit a potent combination of skilled running backs, a strong offensive line adept at run blocking, and a scheme designed to exploit defensive weaknesses. An example would be a team consistently achieving over 140 rushing yards per game, demonstrating both volume and efficiency in their ground game.
Superiority in the running game confers numerous advantages. It allows for controlling the tempo of the game, wearing down opposing defenses, and shortening the contest by keeping the clock running. Historically, strong rushing attacks have been a hallmark of teams that achieve sustained success in the regular season and are well-positioned for playoff contention. Such a foundation allows teams to be less reliant on the passing game and can be crucial in inclement weather.
