(01-20-2020, 04:48 PM)jagibelieve Wrote: Interesting that we think about the run defense in the "modern era".

After all, in the "modern era" it's all about the passing game.  Yet the 49'ers are going to the Super Bowl after just 8 pass attempts in the Divisional Round of the playoffs and convincingly beating the Packers.  You can't win in the "modern NFL" by running the ball and having good defense.  That approach is "antiquated".  At least that is what many believe.

The game hasn't changed as much as people believe over the last 30 or 40 years.  Yes rules have been changed in the name of "player safety", but for the most part it's still the same game.  Move the ball 10 yards to get a first down.  Move the ball across the goal line to earn a touchdown.

It doesn't matter how it's done.  The problem is that the "modern fan" wants to see the "exciting long passes" in order to accomplish the goal of the game rather than long drives and running the ball.

I think "run  the ball and play defense" works fine in today's modern NFL with the caveat that you still have the threat of a passing attack. Jimmy G hasn't needed to throw it a bunch these playoffs but proved in week 14 and 17 he can sling it with the best of em.

The tacks tried to run the ball and play defense and eventually came up short. Not putting it all on Tannehill... but he's no Jimmy G.
Jags in 2017 did the whole run the ball and play strong D. And eventually were undone by having Bortles at QB (or at least coordinators afraid to call a better game, because of Bortles at QB)

I'm thinking Jimmy G is slinging it more in the SB than he has had to so far.
That D is good but the speed of the Chiefs offense creates its own issues and mismatches for defenses. 
For what it's worth, KC was bottom third in rush yards per game (they use the short passing game to backs to compliment it however) and bottom third in rush defense.
And still made the Superbowl. Speed kills. And really good QBs trump really good run games, imo.

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