They say statistics show running the ball wins games. Is it that or that when a team is winning they run more?

Question

What is the real reason for the stat?

Answer 1

He who controls the line of scrimmage controls the game. No coach in modern times knew this more than Jimmy Johnson. I don't care who you put in the back field, that Cowboys team was going to win because he had better O-linemen and better D-linemen than anyone else. Period. Everyone else just rode that team's success.

Answer 2

I guess it all depends on how you look at it. A team with a very effective running game can control the clock better than a team that doesn't have a good run game. A very effective tool agaisnt an opponent is being able to limit the amount of time that said opponent is in possesion of the ball.

Answer 3

Running the ball wins the game by keeping your offense on the field and tiring out their defense, especially the linemen, who tend to be fairly big. This works because the dlinemen generally have to do more "work" to achieve their task, as they're attacking and must chase down the ball carrier and get by their man, who, by comparison, doesn't have to be in such constant motion. If effective, it also forces the defense to move up its safeties to stop it, opening up the pass, and also the threat of play-action. It makes an offense far more effective and flexible..

Answer 4

Running the ball works the clock more so it means your defense is on the field less. Running the ball also opens the big passing plays down field which in turn gets you TDs.

Answer 5

Running the ball uses up more of the clock, it controls the line of scrimmage. It also forces the defense to crowd the line of scrimmage, thereby making it easier to pass it deep. Passing the ball does not necessarily make it easier to run. Bottom line is if you can run the ball, you can control the clock and therefore control the game.

Answer 6

Team that is winning runs more. Sure running HELPS set the tone BUT when you go up you just start running so that you keep your lead and eat up the clock.

Answer 7

I don't think there's a direct link between running and winning.

I think if you can run the ball, you're going to win some games. It's a big portion of playing football! It's the same as saying, "In baseball, you have to have your starting pitching in order."

Don't dwell on it. It's just a thing anchors say.

Answer 8

If your offensive line can dominate the other team's defensive line, you can run the ball all day, kill clock, win games and championships.

Answer 9

Usually if you can run the ball successfully the defense must adjust to stop it. Then you can pass more successfully. This makes your offense very potent and you usually win more then you lose.