There is no argument that a strong passing attack is more important, but that seems so obvious by now its fruitless to discuss. My stance is just that analytics doesn't appreciate the tactical advantage being able to effectively run the ball gives a team both in the regular season but more so in the playoffs. Theres a reason every coach says they want to run the ball well and stop the run, and its not just because they are all brainwashed into thinking it matters, more so because its a key component of how football actually works.


Take a look at this years playoff field. Most of these are good passing attacks too, however essentially the entire field are at least average at running the ball. Every team who was below average at running the ball efficiently missed the playoffs.

2019 playoff teams by rush DVOA

Ravens: #1
Packers: #4
Titans: #5
Seahawks: #6
Eagles: #10
Texans: #11
Saints: #12
49ers: #13
Chiefs: #14
Vikings: #15
Pats: #16
Bills:#17

In the last 3 seasons, 7 teams have made the playoffs with a below average rushing DVOA (2017, 2018 and 2019)

2017:
Bills: #19
Vikings: #18

2018:
Cowboys: #18
Bears: #19
Eagles:#27
Texans: #26

2019:
Bills: #17

So 5 out of those 7 were still essentially barely below average.

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