Why do NFL teams run? This may seem like a simple question, but the answer is far from straightforward. Running plays in the National Football League (NFL) is not just about gaining yardage and scoring touchdowns. It’s about strategy, execution, and making game-changing plays. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of running plays in the NFL and explore why teams choose to run, what types of runs are most effective, and how players and coaches work together to execute these plays on the field. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the intricacies of the game, this article will provide you with a fascinating look at the art of running in the NFL.
Understanding the Importance of Running Plays in the NFL
The Role of Running Plays in Strategy and Tactics
Running plays in the National Football League (NFL) serve a variety of strategic and tactical purposes. Here are some key roles that running plays play in the game:
Gaining Yards and Keeping Possession
One of the primary objectives of running plays is to gain yards and move the ball down the field. Running backs can pick up yardage by running straight ahead, by bouncing outside or cutting back inside, or by breaking tackles. Gaining yards through the air is also possible with the use of screen passes, where the quarterback throws a quick pass to a running back or wide receiver who is being pursued by defenders.
In addition to gaining yards, running plays can help a team maintain possession of the ball. By running the ball on first and second down, a team can keep the ball away from the opposing team’s offense and limit the number of opportunities they have to score. This is especially important in the fourth quarter when a team is trying to run out the clock and secure a victory.
Setting Up Pass Plays and Misdirection
Another important role of running plays is to set up pass plays and create misdirection for the opposing defense. By using a play-action pass, for example, the offense can sell a handoff to a running back and draw the linebackers and safeties closer to the line of scrimmage. This can create space in the secondary for the tight end or a wide receiver running a deep route to work with.
Running plays can also be used to set up screen passes, where the offense fakes a handoff to a running back but instead throws a quick pass to a wide receiver or tight end who is being pursued by defenders. This can create a numbers advantage for the offense and result in a big gain or even a touchdown.
In summary, running plays serve a variety of strategic and tactical purposes in the NFL. They can be used to gain yards and maintain possession, as well as to set up pass plays and create misdirection for the opposing defense. Understanding these roles can help fans and analysts better understand the nuances of offensive game plans and appreciate the importance of running plays in the modern NFL.
Key Benefits of Running Plays
Running plays in the National Football League (NFL) offer several advantages to teams that successfully execute them. Here are some of the key benefits of incorporating running plays into an offensive strategy:
Wearing Down the Defense
One of the primary advantages of running plays is that they can wear down the defense over the course of a game. Defensive players are often required to engage in physical contact on every play, which can take a toll on their bodies. As the game progresses, the defense may become fatigued, making it easier for the offense to move the ball and score points. Running plays can help to keep the defense off-balance and prevent them from predicting the offense’s next move.
Establishing the Running Game
Running plays can also help to establish a team’s running game, which is an essential component of any successful offense. A strong running game can open up opportunities for the passing game and create opportunities for big plays. Running plays can help to establish the offensive line’s ability to create running lanes and open up holes for the running back. Additionally, running plays can help to set up future runs by creating favorable field position and setting up favorable down-and-distance situations.
Maintaining Balance in the Offense
Finally, running plays can help to maintain balance in the offense and keep the defense guessing. Most NFL teams have a passing-oriented offense, but running plays can help to keep the defense off-balance and prevent them from keying on the passing game. Running plays can also help to set up play-action passes, which can be effective in moving the ball down the field. In addition, running plays can help to keep the offense balanced and prevent the defense from focusing solely on stopping the passing game.
Overall, running plays are an essential component of any successful offense in the NFL. They offer several key benefits, including wearing down the defense, establishing the running game, and maintaining balance in the offense. Teams that are able to effectively incorporate running plays into their offensive strategy are more likely to have success on the field.
NFL Teams with Successful Running Attacks
The Evolution of the Running Game in the NFL
Historical Greats and Modern Trends
Throughout the history of the National Football League (NFL), the running game has been a vital component of teams’ offensive strategies. In the early years of the league, teams relied heavily on the running game to control the clock and wear down opponents. Hall of Fame players like Walter Payton and Barry Sanders revolutionized the position of running back, showcasing their exceptional speed, agility, and power. These players demonstrated the importance of a dominant running game in the NFL, which led to the emergence of other successful running backs like Emmitt Smith and Ladainian Tomlinson.
As the game evolved, the passing game gained prominence, and teams began to incorporate more wide receivers and tight ends into their offenses. However, even as the passing game became more prominent, successful teams continued to maintain a strong running attack. The 2000s saw the rise of teams like the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots, who used a combination of a powerful running game and precise passing to achieve great success.
The Impact of Rule Changes and Analytics
Rule changes have played a significant role in shaping the evolution of the running game in the NFL. The implementation of the two-point conversion in 1994 changed the way teams approached the end of games, encouraging them to rely more heavily on their running backs to secure victories. Additionally, the NFL’s focus on player safety has led to rules changes aimed at reducing injuries, which in turn has affected the way teams use their running backs in the game.
The advent of advanced analytics has also had a significant impact on the running game in the NFL. Teams now have access to a wealth of data that can help them better understand how to use their running backs effectively. This has led to the emergence of new statistics, such as yards after contact and broken tackles, which are used to evaluate the effectiveness of running backs. Teams can now use this data to make informed decisions about how to utilize their running backs and create game-changing plays.
Top NFL Teams with Strong Running Attacks
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have been known for their effective running game throughout their history. In recent years, they have relied on a committee of running backs to carry the load, including Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead, and James White. Their running game has been crucial in helping them control the clock and wear down opposing defenses.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have a dynamic offense led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but they also have a strong running attack. Running backs such as Damien Williams and Darrel Williams have been key players in their run game, providing a balance to their offense and keeping defenses guessing.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have always been known for their dominant rushing attack, led by Hall of Fame running back Ray Rice. More recently, running backs such as Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards have carried the load for the Ravens, with Edwards having a breakout season in 2019.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have a physical running style, led by their running backs such as Raheem Mostert and Matt Breida. Their running game has been crucial in their success, especially in the playoffs where they have relied on their running attack to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses.
Coaching Strategies and Techniques for Effective Running Plays
Play Design and Scheming
In order to create successful running plays, NFL teams must have a solid play design and scheming strategy. This involves identifying weaknesses in the defense, utilizing motion and shift, and creating misdirection and deception.
Identifying Weaknesses in the Defense
The first step in effective play design is to identify weaknesses in the defense. This can be done by analyzing past games and studying the opposing team’s defensive tendencies. By identifying areas where the defense is vulnerable, such as certain gap responsibilities or coverage tendencies, the offense can exploit these weaknesses with their running plays.
Utilizing Motion and Shift
Another key aspect of effective play design is utilizing motion and shift. This can involve moving players before the snap or shifting them to different positions on the line of scrimmage. This can create confusion for the defense and make it more difficult for them to identify the play and defend against it. Additionally, motion and shift can also create favorable matchups for the offense, such as putting a smaller player on a larger defender, which can create an advantage in the running game.
Creating Misdirection and Deception
Finally, effective play design often involves creating misdirection and deception. This can be done through the use of fake handoffs, play-action passes, and other techniques that draw the defense away from the actual point of attack. By creating confusion and uncertainty in the defense, the offense can more easily create running lanes and exploit the weaknesses in the defense.
Overall, effective play design and scheming are crucial components of successful running plays in the NFL. By identifying weaknesses in the defense, utilizing motion and shift, and creating misdirection and deception, NFL teams can execute game-changing runs and put themselves in a position to win games.
Game Management and Situational Running
Managing the Clock and Game Situations
Managing the clock and game situations is a crucial aspect of situational running in the NFL. Coaches must be able to identify when to run the ball based on the remaining time on the clock, the score differential, and the down and distance situation. For example, if a team is trailing late in the game and has a chance to score a touchdown, they may opt to run the ball to manage the clock and prevent the opposing team from getting the ball back.
Adapting to Injuries and Changing Circumstances
Adapting to injuries and changing circumstances is another important aspect of situational running. Coaches must be able to adjust their running plays based on the health of their players and the performance of their opponents. For example, if a team’s top running back is injured, the coach may need to rely more heavily on other running backs or incorporate more passing plays into the game plan.
Balancing Aggression and Conservatism
Balancing aggression and conservatism is also crucial in situational running. Coaches must be able to determine when to be aggressive and go for a big gain, and when to be conservative and try to pick up easy yardage. For example, if a team is leading by a comfortable margin in the fourth quarter, they may opt to run conservatively to run out the clock and secure the victory. However, if the game is close and the clock is running down, the coach may decide to be more aggressive and go for a big gain to try to put the game away.
Developing and Utilizing Talent at Running Back
Selecting and Drafting Running Backs
When it comes to developing and utilizing talent at running back, the first step is selecting and drafting the right players. Scouting and evaluating running back prospects is a crucial part of the draft process. Coaches and scouts look for specific traits in players, such as speed, agility, vision, and the ability to break tackles. These traits are essential for success in the running game. Additionally, coaches consider the player’s character, work ethic, and football IQ when making their selection. The running back position requires a unique combination of physical skills and mental toughness, and the draft process is critical in identifying players who possess these qualities.
Training and Developing Running Backs
Once the running backs are selected and drafted, the next step is to train and develop them. This process involves both physical and mental training. Physical training focuses on improving speed, agility, and strength, while mental training involves developing the player’s decision-making skills, instincts, and understanding of the game. Running backs must learn to read and react to different situations on the field, such as blocking schemes, defensive formations, and game situations. They must also be able to anticipate the movements of their blockers and find gaps in the defense.
To develop these skills, coaches use a variety of drills and exercises that focus on footwork, agility, and ball security. They also work on improving the player’s vision and instincts, which are essential for finding holes in the defense and breaking tackles. Mental training involves developing the player’s mental toughness, focus, and resilience. Coaches work with players to develop strategies for dealing with adversity, such as overcoming injuries or setbacks, and maintaining a positive mindset.
Incorporating New Talent and Rotation
As the season progresses, coaches must also incorporate new talent and manage rotation to keep players fresh and avoid injuries. Running backs are susceptible to injuries, and it’s crucial to have a deep roster of talented players who can step in and contribute when needed. Coaches must balance the need for rest and recovery with the need to maintain momentum and continuity in the offense. They may use different rotation strategies, such as rotating running backs by series or using a committee approach, to keep players fresh and avoid overuse injuries.
Incorporating new talent also involves integrating rookies and new acquisitions into the offense. Coaches must evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of new players and develop game plans that take advantage of their skills. They must also manage the egos and personalities of players, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal. This requires strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills, as well as a deep understanding of the game and the strengths and weaknesses of each player.
Overall, developing and utilizing talent at running back is a critical aspect of building a successful offense in the NFL. Coaches must select and draft the right players, train and develop them, and manage rotation and new talent to keep players fresh and avoid injuries. By doing so, they can build a deep and talented roster of running backs that can contribute to game-changing plays and lead their team to victory.
NFL Legends and Record-Breaking Running Backs
The Greatest Running Backs in NFL History
When it comes to the greatest running backs in NFL history, several names come to mind. These players have left an indelible mark on the game, thanks to their speed, agility, and power. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most remarkable running backs to ever grace the gridiron.
Walter Payton
Walter Payton, nicknamed “Sweetness,” was a dominant force on the field. Playing for the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1987, Payton was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. He was known for his powerful running style and his ability to break tackles, making him one of the most feared runners in the league.
Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith, who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1990 to 2002, is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. He was a key member of three Super Bowl-winning teams and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Smith was known for his exceptional speed, agility, and ability to find the end zone, making him one of the most successful running backs in NFL history.
Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders, who played for the Detroit Lions from 1989 to 1998, was one of the most elusive runners in NFL history. He was a ten-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Sanders was known for his incredible jump cuts and his ability to make defenders miss, making him one of the most exciting runners to watch in the league.
Marshall Faulk
Marshall Faulk, who played for the Indianapolis Colts from 1994 to 2000 and the St. Louis Rams from 1999 to 2006, was a versatile running back who could do it all. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Faulk was known for his ability to run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and block, making him one of the most well-rounded running backs in NFL history.
Record-Breaking Performances and Moments
Most Rushing Yards in a Season
- Walter Payton, who played for the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1987, holds the record for most rushing yards in a single season with 1,852 yards in 1977. Payton’s remarkable season earned him the nickname “Sweetness” and cemented his status as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
- In second place is Emmitt Smith, who amassed 1,759 rushing yards in 1995 while playing for the Dallas Cowboys. Smith, a three-time Super Bowl champion and NFL MVP, was known for his durability, speed, and powerful running style.
Most Rushing Touchdowns in a Season
- Priest Holmes, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1997 to 2007, holds the record for most rushing touchdowns in a single season with 27 in 2003. Holmes’ remarkable season earned him the nickname “The Matador” and cemented his status as one of the most dominant running backs of his era.
- In second place is Dougall McCombs, who scored 26 rushing touchdowns in 1968 while playing for the Minnesota Vikings. McCombs was a dominant force on the field and helped lead the Vikings to the Super Bowl.
Longest Rushing Touchdown
- The longest rushing touchdown in NFL history was scored by Jermaine Wiggins in 1994 while playing for the Seattle Seahawks. Wiggins ran for a 99-yard touchdown against the San Diego Chargers, which remains the longest touchdown run in NFL history.
- In second place is Charlie O’Rourke, who scored a 98-yard touchdown in 1954 while playing for the Chicago Cardinals. O’Rourke’s run remains one of the most iconic plays in NFL history and helped lead the Cardinals to a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Fastest Player to Reach 10,000 Rushing Yards
- Eddie George, who played for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans from 1996 to 2003, reached 10,000 rushing yards in the fewest number of games. George reached the milestone in just 99 games, making him the fastest player in NFL history to do so.
- In second place is O.J. Simpson, who reached 10,000 rushing yards in 143 games while playing for the Buffalo Bills from 1969 to 1977. Simpson was one of the most dominant running backs of his era and is widely considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
Analyzing the Impact of Running Plays on Winning Championships
The Relationship Between Running Success and Team Success
In the NFL, running plays are often considered a staple of a team’s offensive strategy. The relationship between running success and team success is an intriguing one that has been the subject of much debate among coaches, players, and analysts.
While passing plays tend to garner more attention and highlight reel moments, running plays can be just as crucial to a team’s success. Teams that have a strong running game tend to have a higher winning percentage and are more likely to make it to the playoffs.
In fact, many Super Bowl champions have had a dominant running game, including the 2018 Philadelphia Eagles, who ran for over 1,800 yards during the regular season and had a 13-3 record. Similarly, the 2016 Dallas Cowboys, who had the league’s leading rusher in Ezekiel Elliott, went 13-3 and made it to the divisional round of the playoffs.
Moreover, teams that are able to establish a strong running game, even in the face of adversity, can be successful. For example, the 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars, who finished the regular season with a 10-6 record, relied heavily on their running game to make it to the AFC Championship game. Led by rookie running back Leonard Fournette, the Jaguars ran for over 2,100 yards during the regular season and averaged 4.8 yards per carry.
In conclusion, the relationship between running success and team success is undeniable. Teams that are able to establish a strong running game tend to have a higher winning percentage and are more likely to make it to the playoffs. While passing plays may get more attention, running plays can be just as crucial to a team’s success, especially in the NFL.
Lessons Learned from Teams with Successful Running Attacks
When it comes to building a championship-winning team in the NFL, having a strong running game can be a critical factor. Here are some key lessons that can be learned from teams with successful running attacks:
Maintaining Balance and Flexibility
One of the most important aspects of a successful running attack is the ability to maintain balance and flexibility. This means having a diverse arsenal of running plays that can be adapted to different situations and defensive schemes. Teams that are able to mix up their running plays effectively can keep defenses off balance and create favorable matchups for their skill players.
For example, the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles had a highly effective running attack that helped them win Super Bowl LII. The Eagles had a diverse arsenal of running plays, including inside zone runs, outside zone runs, and power runs. They also used misdirection plays and play-action passes to keep defenses guessing. By mixing up their running plays effectively, the Eagles were able to wear down defenses and create favorable matchups for their skill players.
Embracing Teamwork and Toughness
Another key lesson that can be learned from successful running attacks is the importance of embracing teamwork and toughness. Running plays require a high level of coordination and communication between the offensive line, running backs, and wide receivers. Teams that are able to work together effectively and play with toughness can be successful in the running game.
For example, the 2018 New Orleans Saints had a dominant running attack that helped them reach the Super Bowl. The Saints had a physical offensive line that opened up holes for their running backs, and their running backs were tough and hard-nosed. They also had a talented receiving corps that helped to create space for their running backs by drawing defenders away from the line of scrimmage. By embracing teamwork and toughness, the Saints were able to dominate on the ground and control the tempo of games.
Prioritizing Physical and Mental Preparation
Finally, successful running attacks require a high level of physical and mental preparation. This means having a rigorous training program that focuses on developing the strength, speed, and endurance needed to excel in the running game. It also means having a strong mental approach that allows players to stay focused and disciplined during games.
For example, the 2019 San Francisco 49ers had a dominant running attack that helped them reach the Super Bowl. The 49ers had a physical offensive line that was built for power running, and they had a talented running back in Raheem Mostert who was known for his speed and elusiveness. They also had a strong mental approach that allowed them to stay focused and disciplined, even in the face of adversity. By prioritizing physical and mental preparation, the 49ers were able to dominate on the ground and control the tempo of games.
The Future of Running Plays in the NFL
Trends and Predictions for the Evolution of the Running Game
The future of running plays in the NFL will be shaped by various trends and predictions, as teams strive to evolve their offensive strategies and capitalize on new opportunities. One key trend is the increasing importance of quarterback mobility, as teams look to utilize dual-threat quarterbacks who can both pass and run effectively. This trend has led to a rise in read-option plays, where the quarterback has the option to hand off to a running back or keep the ball himself, creating an additional layer of uncertainty for the defense.
Another trend is the growing emphasis on creative play-calling and schematic innovation. Offensive coordinators are constantly looking for new ways to utilize running plays to catch defenses off guard and create favorable matchups for their skill players. This has led to an increased use of misdirection plays, where the offense sets up one play to draw the defense in a certain direction, only to surprise them with a running play going in a different direction.
Challenges and Opportunities for Running Teams
Running teams will also face challenges in the future, as defenses continue to adapt to the increasing use of spread formations and mobile quarterbacks. One challenge is the rise of defensive schemes that prioritize stopping the run, such as the 3-4 defense, which features three defensive linemen and four linebackers. These schemes require offenses to be creative in their play-calling and utilize motion and shifts to find seams in the defense.
Another challenge is the increasing use of analytics in the NFL, which has led to a greater emphasis on efficiency and minimizing risk. This has led some teams to focus more on passing plays, which tend to be more efficient in terms of yards per play, while also minimizing the risk of turnovers and negative plays.
Adapting to Changes in Rules and Analytics
To remain competitive in the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, running teams must be willing to adapt to changes in rules and analytics. This means embracing new technologies and data-driven approaches to game planning and play-calling, while also staying true to their strengths as a running team. For example, teams may need to adjust their running schemes to account for rule changes that prioritize player safety, such as the elimination of targeting penalties in the defensive backfield.
Ultimately, the future of running plays in the NFL will be shaped by a complex interplay of trends, challenges, and opportunities. Teams that are able to adapt and innovate while staying true to their strengths as a running team will be well-positioned to execute game-changing plays and win championships.
FAQs
1. Why do NFL teams run plays during a game?
NFL teams run plays during a game to advance the ball down the field and score points. They use a variety of offensive strategies, including running and passing plays, to move the ball in the most efficient way possible and gain an advantage over their opponents.
2. What are some common running plays in the NFL?
Some common running plays in the NFL include handoffs, draws, and pitches. Handoffs involve the quarterback giving the ball to a running back, who then runs with it. Draws involve the quarterback faking a handoff to a running back before keeping the ball and running with it himself. Pitches involve the quarterback throwing the ball to a running back, who then runs with it.
3. Why is running important in the NFL?
Running is important in the NFL because it can help teams control the clock, wear down their opponents, and set up future plays. Running the ball also helps to balance out a team’s offense and keep the defense guessing. Additionally, having a strong running game can help a team win games even if the passing game is not working as well as expected.
4. How do NFL teams decide when to run and when to pass?
NFL teams decide when to run and when to pass based on a variety of factors, including the situation of the game, the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents, and the strengths and weaknesses of their own team. For example, if a team is behind and needs to score quickly, they may be more likely to pass to try to get the ball down the field faster. On the other hand, if a team is ahead and trying to run out the clock, they may be more likely to run to eat up time and avoid giving their opponents a chance to score.
5. Can running plays be just as effective as passing plays in the NFL?
Yes, running plays can be just as effective as passing plays in the NFL, depending on the situation. In fact, some teams have had great success running the ball consistently and controlling the clock, while others have relied more on their passing game to score points. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a team’s offense will depend on a variety of factors, including the strength of their running and passing games, the abilities of their players, and the strategies they use to move the ball down the field.