Passing / Runnig Downs

[didy]

Can you guys explain to me what is considered a Running Down and Passing down in NFL games.

Passing downs are pretty obvious but can someone advise as what are the running downs. Is it the yardage and downs or field position.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanx yo...

[Feared]

Pretty sure it's in regards to Down & Distance.

For instance on 1st downs most teams just generally go with a play that suits their Offensive philosophy.. an Aerial team that passes a lot will ussually pass, and a running team runs more often on first down.

I've noticed if they do Run the ball and fail to gain succesful yardage.. and it's like 2nd & 10 or longer most teams consider that a passing down and will pass or run some kind of a screen play in that down and distance to get some of that yardage to make a more manageable 3rd down situation.

I'd say a surefire Running down is 3rd & 2 or shorter... If it's a long 2 yards to go I've seen some teams go Shot gun and run a passing play but more often then not most teams will try to rush the ball when they have to gain 2 or yards or less for the next set of downs, or the endzone.

[JBH3]

Quote: Originally Posted by didy

Can you guys explain to me what is considered a Running Down and Passing down in NFL games. Passing downs are pretty obvious but can someone advise as what are the running downs. Is it the yardage and downs or field position. Any info would be appreciated. Thanx yo...

Ok.

Depending on the offensive strengths of the team, and opposing team's defensive strengths these two factors sort of dictate how a team starts a drive/approaches moving downfield.

Field position and time remaining also play a factor.

Typically a passing down is a 3rd and long (10+ yards to gain for a first down), or 2nd and long (depending on how long, and field position).

In the waining minutes of a game a team may elect to run the ball on a draw or HB delay to keep the clock running and/or maybe sneak out a first down if they've got a good RB and run-blocking O-Line. Typically though running the ball on 3rd and Long is done by the team in the lead...to keep the clock running.

Quote:

Depending on the offensive strengths of the team, and opposing team's defensive strengths these two factors sort of dictate how a team starts a drive/approaches moving downfield.

Ex. 2008 Minnesota Vikings had the best run-D in the league keeping opponents to a 76.9 average yds/gm. Their passing was middle of the pack @ allowing 215 yds/gm. So the way to beat them was to pass the ball...however they also have one of the best pass rushers in the league (Jared Allen) so if your OT wasn't up to task Minny could wreak havoc on your passing game given they've got at least one very good cornerback in Antione Winfield and DTs that allow the MLB/FS to get free on a blitz.