DEFENSES COMMIT TO LIMIT BIG RUSHING DAYS

 

As youngsters, NFL defensive coordinators were most likely told not to run in the house, in the library, or around the neighborhood swimming pool.

 

Fast-forward to 2005 and it’s those defensive minds that mandate no running through their defenses – at least not for 100-yard performances.  Through five weeks of play, 34 NFL players have rushed for 100-yard games compared to 50 such ground-gaining outbursts a year ago.

 

Conversely, through five weeks, a total of 18 NFL clubs (56.3 percent) are averaging more passing yards per game this year compared to last season.

 

So, how are defenses limiting big rushing days?

 

“It’s just got to be that defenses are scheming with an emphasis to stop the run,” says offensive coordinator BOB BRATKOWSKI of the 4-1 Cincinnati Bengals.  “It’s basic defensive philosophy that stopping the run is your first priority, but even though everybody talks about it, it’s not always fully put into practice.

 

“This year, it’s evident that it’s a little more the case.”

 

A look at NFL rushing figures through five weeks of play:

 

YEAR	100-YARD RUSHERS	TOTAL RUSH YARDS	RUSH TDS
2004	50	16,906	115
2005	34	16,058	107

 

“All of our corners have to be physical, we expect corners to be tacklers here,” says Washington Redskins defensive coordinator GREGG WILLIAMS, whose unit has helped the club reach a 3-1 record.  The Redskins’ defense stands fifth in the NFL in total yards allowed per game (282.0).  “Our safeties are like mini-linebackers.  This keeps any type of a run game to a minimum and that is what you want.

 

“A lot of people overthink on how you rush the passer in this league,” adds Williams.  “The way you rush the passer in this league is stopping the run.  You need to stop the run first and get them in those longer down and distances so you get a chance to rush the passer.  If you don’t stop the run, it is going to be a long day.”

 

The Pittsburgh Steelers customarily reside at or near the top of the league’s rushing defense standings and 2005 is no different.  Pittsburgh defensive coordinator DICK LE BEAU has his group perched sixth in the league in fewest rushing yards allowed (89.0 per game) and, not coincidentally, ranked third in the NFL in sacks per pass play with one sack for every 9.6 of its opponents’ pass attempts.

 

“One of the benefits of slowing down the running game is that you can make the opposition one-dimensional,” says LeBeau.  “It is a lot easier to defend a team if they are not able to run the ball.  You end up only having to defense one-half of their offense.”

 

So, what is the best countermove against a defense that succeeds in stuffing the run?

 

“Throw the ball deep,” says Bratkowski, whose Bengals, led by the play of quarterback CARSON PALMER, have seven pass plays of 25 or more yards this season – up from only two such plays last year after five games. 

 

“Defenses focusing on stopping the run give you the opportunity to throw the ball deep, as well as to the other perimeters of the defense.”

 

# # #

DIVISION RIVALRIES TAKE CENTER STAGE

AS WEEK 6 FEATURES FAMILIAR FOES

 

It’s the NFL’s version of a sibling rivalry – the division game. 

 

And those always-intriguing matchups take center stage in Week 6, as six of 14 games feature division opponents.  And while no single factor can predict postseason fortunes, recent history is clear – if a team is to enjoy jubilation in January and February, the seeds of success are sown now, particularly in division games.

 

Since the current eight-division format was instituted in 2002, the six teams that advanced to the Super Bowl posted a combined division record of 29-7, for a whopping .806 winning percentage.

 

The Week 6 division slate:

 

 

Among the most anticipated division matchups is the NFC East clash between the 3-1 Giants and 3-2 Cowboys at Texas Stadium.  The Cowboys enter the game on the heels of a resounding 33-10 win against another division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, while the Giants enjoyed a Week 5 bye.

 

“I commended the team on a good performance,” says Cowboys head coach BILL PARCELLS, who led the Giants to victory in Super Bowls XXI and XXV.  “But I also told them to watch out, because we have another test coming.  Our players know what they are facing in the Giants, like with any division opponent.  The Giants have been a very prolific scoring team and will be a challenge for us.  I think there will be times when any one of the teams in our division can beat any other and so I think it will be a question of who can improve the most from here on out.”

 

New York is averaging 34 points per game and its 136 points through four games is the most by a Giants team since the 1968 squad posted 154.

 

The game features a pair of coaches – Parcells and TOM COUGHLIN, an assistant under Parcells in New York from 1988-90, who have excelled in division games.  Parcells owns a 77-56-1 (.578) division mark while Coughlin is 43-31 (.581) against division opponents.

 

A look at the top active coaches vs. division opponents and the teams with the best winning percentage in division games since the current division alignment was instituted in 2002:

 

 

Just like certain teams, certain players have a knack for stepping up against the biggest of rivals.  Two such performers will be in action in division contests in Week 6 – Baltimore’s JAMAL LEWIS and San Diego’s LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON.

 

Each will try to get their team back on track this week, as the Ravens host the Browns and the Chargers head north to Oakland to meet the Raiders.  Since 2002, Lewis averages 119.9 yards per game against divisional foes while Tomlinson averages a healthy 104.7.

 

A look at the statistical leaders in division games since 2002: