It is the opinion of some that the Eagles can't run up the middle. I believe they can. The middle of the offensive line is huge, albeit somewhat inexperienced. But if the Eagles run early and run often, the defense will be worn out and softened up, and the guys up front will be able to open big holes, even in the middle, for Westbrook and Buckhalter to get yards in bunches.
posted by Mark @ 10:21 PM
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2 Comments:
Is there any actual evidence that running "wears out" a defense? I've heard it said before, but I suspect it may be a myth. I mean, you could turn that statement on its head and say that constant running wears out the *offense*, or that pass after pass will make the secondary winded.
Take the Steelers, for instance. Everyone talks about how their strong and relentless their ground game is, and how it's the key to their offense. But if you *actually* look at the numbers, they actually pass heavily in the first half and only run later when they want to grind down the *clock*, not the opposing defense.
It's easier to push someone back (oline) than to push someone out of your way (dline). It's easier to push people around from a standstill when you know what's coming and when it's coming. And making tackles, I suspect, takes more out of a person than blocking.
The Steelers developed their grinding running reputation in the days before Rothlisberger and Willy Parker, when the Bus was in his prime and he was the offense.
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