Ok, so we are all on the same page that we are a decent o-line away from being good
People don't understand that a good passing game only opens up because of a good running game. It is dang near impossible to have only one good phase of offense without the other one being good. <div>
</div><div>Look at the 09 New Orleans Saints compared to last years. The 09 team could run the ball, which opened up the passing game for Brees. Why is that? Linebackers HAVE to respect the run when the O-Line takes the defensive line out of the equation. When you put pressure on linebackers and safeties to make plays with the run game, that puts even more pressure on d-backs to make plays in the passing game. Pull those linebackers out of position with playaction or draw and you are in control. In 2010, New Orleans was one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL. When linebackers and safeties aren't pressured to stop the run, the passing game becomes much harder on the offense. </div><div>
</div><div>We struggled big time to run the ball and that's because Bama's defensive line was so dominating. Crashing running lanes and the ability for ends to get off the block easily and contain the run around the edges makes life much easier for safeties and linebackers. </div><div>
</div><div>*Edit- Forgot my main point that a good running game can only be accompanied by a good O-Line that can open up running lanes and control the edge. Brandon Jacobs would have a very hard time running behind a poor O-Line.</div>