first in third down conversion offense.... yet 1 and 3 where it matters. I think the stats, to a degree, are more indicative of who we played not how we played. The real test will be next Monday night against the Jets. They can run the ball very well... and they can stop the run with big Kris Jenkins if he's healthy. If we run the ball and stop the run better than they do, we should win knowing that there are two young qb's involved who will make their share of mistakes.
I think the stats are very indicative of how the NFL is evolving into a pass first league. Teams like the Colts, Falcons, and Chargers all have capable running games but do their damage through the air. Specifically for the Colts, running the ball is almost an afterthought. Some teams like the Patriots hardly run at all. So stopping the run against teams that only run the ball a handful of times / game doesn't mean what it used to. If they are lighting up the secondary through the air, that's all that matters.
most part agree MB, except later in the season when the weather turns, lets see how they fair when they can't run the ball or stop the run.
This. In my opinion what matters first is the score. Then the clock. If you can control one (or both) you should normally win the game. Of course there are exceptions to the rule (see week 2: colts), but I think usually the team that controls the clock wins the football game. This is one thing that I think the Eagles in particular are known for. They don't really play hot football in september/october, but come November, December they're pretty damn difficult to beat. And they've made the playoffs for a long time now.
The Patriots run the ball alot more than people think. Go look at many times they ran it during Brady's huge season...it will make you question what you're seeing. Posted via Mobile Device