Fifty-one yards of rushing isn’t much, but apparently it’s enough to win an NFL road game.
Sure, the Patriots benefited from some bonehead Chargers plays and a few key turnovers in Sunday’s 23-20 win in San Diego, but no team — no matter what level — should be able to win on just 51 rushing yards.
Apparently, these 5-1 Patriots aren’t just any team.
As long as Tom Brady has a right arm, the offense has a playbook full of timing routes, and both Wes Welker and Deion Branch are able to line up in the slots, the offense should be able to put points up on the board — no matter who is lined up in the backfield.
As seen in 2007, the Pats can win — and win big — without a punishing ground game. In that historic season, Laurence Maroney led the way with just 835 rushing yards. Trailing him was Sammy Morris, who had 100 fewer touches and just 384 yards. That team ended the season with 1,849 yards. This year’s club, including last game, is on pace for just under 1,780 rushing yards — and that’s with a pair of undrafted free agent running backs (Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis) carrying the load.
The Pats snuck away with a win on Sunday, but if their running game doesn’t improve, will you be concerned or do you think Brady’s throwing arm can carry the offense?
Can the Patriots' offense continue to win with their current ground game?online surveys
