The NFL is considered a passing league. Rule changes favoring the passing game and elaborate passing concepts have made this to be true.
However, as the weather changes and the playoffs approach, do not discredit the extreme value in the ability to control a game on the ground. Do you think it is a coincidence that the NFL's top run offenses listed below belong to some of the top teams? I think not.
1. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are undefeated and quarterback Cam Newton is a legitimate MVP candidate. But as great as Newton is playing, the foundation of Carolina's offense is its highly diverse running game, which of course, Newton is a huge part of. The threat of Newton as a ball carrier is the foundational concept that this entire rushing attack revolves around.
Former Panther DeAngelo Williams is off having a fine season in Pittsburgh, but Jonathan Stewart, going back to the final six weeks or so of the 2014 season, is running as effectively as he has in his career. Being healthy helps, of course -- injuries have been Stewart's biggest problem in the NFL -- but talent was never an issue with this guy.
The Panthers' coaching staff and front office also deserve a lot of credit for assembling some fine blocking, considering that the majority of their offensive line is constructed of mid- or low-round draft picks or reasonably inexpensive free-agent additions. The interior of this offensive line has been terrific. This is a very difficult rushing attack to prepare for and play against.