NFL Playoffs 2012: Why Offense, Not Defense, Wins NFL Championships

The Alabama Crimson Tide proved that defense still rules the roost in the NCAA, but offense is the path to supremacy in the NFL playoffs.

With all due respect to London Fletcher, you rarely hear of a defensive stand that won the Super Bowl. Yet, history is filled with examples of game-winning drives executed by a stoic quarterback.

Some recent developments further the argument that the path to championships is paved in passing yards. However, this isn't a new phenomenon.

Offensive dominance stretches back to Bill Walsh's San Francisco 49ers, and continues to this today.

New Rules: Defenders Can't Hit Quarterbacks or Wide Receivers

The NFL has taken heat from fans, former players and current defenders over the new player safety rules.

Defensive players are no longer allowed to get after the quarterback like they once did. In addition, receivers do not have the same fear of going across the middle of the field due to the "defenseless receiver" rules. 

The effect is that a large portion of the field has been opened back up for business. Quarterbacks no longer have to worry about leaving the pass-catcher vulnerable to concussion-inducing hits.

Throwing over the middle now gives an offense a distinct advantage. There will either be room for the receiver to make the catch, or he gets de-cleated and picks up an extra 15 yards.

Old Rules: Pass Interference

The competition committee must heed the call regarding the pass interference rule's reformation.

The current system advances the ball to the spot of the foul. A ticky-tack call can result in a 50-yard windfall to the offense.

This is ridiculous. However, besides media outcry, there is little to suggest that the NFL will change the punishment. 

The NFL loves offense and points because they sell. Defenses will have to continue to be careful once the ball is in the air.

The Best Defense Is a Good Offense

The best defense is a good offense is not a new adage, but it has never been more accurate.

The rules outlined in prior slides allow teams to control the ball and keep the opposing offense off the field. A solid running game is not required due to the proliferation of short passes and bubble screens.

Additionally, forcing the opponent to keep pace with your offense has an immeasurable impact.

The opposition will forced to press, which will cause inadvisable passes and mistakes. Meanwhile, the defensive can focus solely on stopping the pass, meaning they will have a much better chance at getting to the quarterback. 

The Data Doesn't Lie

There have been a few champions over the past two decades that have had dominant defenses. Specifically, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Baltimore Ravens come to mind.

However, even those teams put up ridiculous numbers in order to win the Super Bowl.

The winners of the last 20 Super Bowls have averaged 31.6 points per game. This number is significantly higher than the NFL scoring average over that same period. 

If a team wants to win, it will need to score.

Ancient History: Bill Walsh's San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers used to play a much different style than the brand of football utilized in the Bay today.

Bill Walsh is credited as the father of the West Coast offense, which emphasized shorter passes distributed all over the field. This offensive revolution would eventually spark one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.

The 49ers would go on to win four Super Bowls behind quarterback Joe Montana, and add a fifth with Steve Young under center.

Four of the Last Five Champs: Aaron Rodgers' Green Bay Packers

The tone for the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl run was set on the offensive side of the ball. 

With the notable exception of the NFC Championship Game, Aaron Rodgers and his arsenal inflicted extensive damage on playoff opponents. Last year's humbling of the Atlanta Falcons demonstrated that the Packers were something special. 

In the Super Bowl, the Packers scored on both sides of the ball in the first quarter.

The interception return for a touchdown illustrated that the Steelers felt the need to score often to keep pace. Otherwise, there is no need to throw that pass at such an early stage of the game.

Intermediate History: The Greatest Show on Turf

The turn-of-the-century St. Louis Rams were a force of nature. They were dominant during their short run, winning one Super Bowl and falling just short in another.

Offensive coordinator Mike Martz adopted the "Air Coryell" system and tweaked it to his team. Quarterback Kurt Warner was a natural fit, and produced ridiculous stats on the way to their lone championship.

The Rams fell short a year later to Tom Brady, but that shouldn't dent the credibility that this team built.

Four of the Last Five Champs: Drew Brees' New Orleans Saints

The 2009 NFL playoffs are a great indication of the offensive revolution that has taken place.

The New Orleans Saints, much like this year's version, were predicated on precision passing and opportunistic defense. The Saints averaged over 35 points per game on their way to the title.

New Orleans' Super Bowl opponent, the Indianapolis Colts, were built in a similar fashion. Peyton Manning led an explosive offense that allowed the Colts' talented defensive ends to get after the quarterback.

The Super Bowl turned on a defensive touchdown. However, that play doesn't occur without the offense putting pressure on the Colts to keep up.

Four of the Last Five Champs: The Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been about hard-nosed defense and running the football. Yet, their last championship was the result of their offensive ability.

Super Bowl XLIII had been a tight defensive matchup until Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald exploded through the Pittsburgh secondary to take the lead with just over two minutes left.

On the ensuing drive, Ben Roethlisberger demonstrated the absolute necessity of having a good offense. If the Steelers had only been about defense, they  certainly would not have won their most recent title.

Four of the Last Five Champs: Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts

The most logical ending to this argument was played out in Super Bowl XLI.

The Chicago Bears boasted the toughest defense that the NFL had witnessed in years. Conversely, the Indianapolis Colts were viewed as a finesse team with an intricate offense.

On a rain-soaked field that favored the defensive-minded Bears, the Colts proved that offense does win championships. For further confirmation, the Bears offense lost the game with five turnovers.

Consider the argument closed.