Going into last wknd’s action, there were no “complete” teams left – only those who had outweighed their weaknesses enough to advance to the NFL’s Divisional Playoff Round.
* Indianapolis vs Baltimore
Baltimore’s ball-control running game could get no headway against the uber-maligned Indy run defense. I mean seriously, the Ravens only rushed their battering ram RB Jamal Lewis 13 times? Bad call, coach.
Both sides threw two interceptions, but only one side controlled the ground. Thusly did the Colts advance past the #1 NFL defense.
* Philadelphia vs New Orleans
Part of the reason New Orleans' offense was #1 for the 2006 NFL regular season was due to its balance. Were a defense to load the line of scrimmage to stop the run, the Saints could pass. If the D dropped more men into coverage, Coach Payton could hammer up the middle with Deuce. Balance and adaptability equal points. Usually.
The opposite of this is the Philly offense. Mustachioed Philly Head Coach Andy Reid's offensive style is a form of the West Coast offense grown wild in the backyard. Folks forget that Bill Walsh's original West Coast Offense relied upon threat of the run to set up the pass. Reid's unpruned style uses the pass to set up the pass. Then they pass some more. The run is used only as a change-of-pace, and when it comes, as it did for a long TD in this game, it's a surprise to opposing defenses.
Not having a run game has tons of attendant problems: short-yardage plays become an ordeal, and it's far harder to kill the clock when the clock needs to be killed.
As the final drives went up and down the field, the Saints could rely on the run, while Philly to go pass.
