Running Up the Score: An Ancient NFL Tradition

Everybody seems to think that the Patriots are unneccesarily running up the score.

Well, look at these numbers: The 1994 49ers won the Super Bowl by a score of 49-18 against the Chargers. Young threw a touchdown pass in the 4th Quarter even. The 2006 Colts ran up the score during the season and no one said anything. For example, 43-14 against the Texans, 45-21 against the Eagles.

Historically, numerous teams have run up the score on big stages and small stages, many Super Bowls included: Bears vs. the Patriots (yes I said the Patriots).

There is no such thing as running up the score. Even the great Bill Walsh did it, with a 55-10 win against the Broncos in the Super Bowl. Every Hall of Fame coach would tell you that the offense's job is to go out there and put points on the board.

Their job is not to punt—that's the reason they have a punt team. If the Redskins and Cowboys can't stop the third stringers, then they deserved to be scored on.

Look at those games that the Pats have been questioned for. The running up the score TDs were mainly by third stringers such as Nick Eckel and Matt Cassel.

The Steelers just did it last night on the big stage of Monday Night Football. Big Ben went for his fifth TD pass when up 28-0 in the third quarter. There was no need to throw the ball, but he did. This is what the offenses are supposed to do: score points.

Don't get mad because your teams aren't stopping the offense of the other team. The defenses need to now do their jobs.

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