New England Patriots: Why the Running Game Is the Key to Their Super Bowl Run

Despite the top-ranked passing attack, a proven coach and a 4-1 record, the New England Patriots are highly susceptible to an upset because of their inconsistencies moving the ball on the ground.

Their bend-but-don’t-break defense will improve with the return of All-Pro linebacker Jerod Mayo, and the Tom Brady-barrage will create many leads, but the Patriots are set for a four-quarter shootout every weekend if they can’t consistently kill the clock.

Here is a look at the key factors related to the the Patriots' running game and why they are so important.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Green-Ellis had failed to surpass 75 rushing yards in any contest prior to last Sunday’s 136-yard performance against the Jets, and while no running back has more touchdowns since Week 3 of 2010 than BenJarvus, there is ample reason to doubt his ability as a featured back.

Currently listed as “questionable” for Sunday’s game in Dallas with a toe injury, there is no easy replacement for his goal-line abilities and an even greater need to share his workload.

BenJarvus is invaluable as a workhorse for a team that has many late leads to protect.

His health is necessary for a long playoff run.

Stevan Ridley

Green-Ellis’ tenuous hold over the starting job can be easily witnessed by the hype surrounding Stevan Ridley’s 97-yard performance against the Raiders in Week 4 (on 10 carries).

With an average of 6.4 yards per carry and a much lower 40-yard dash time than BenJarvus', Ridley might be the new speed threat to emerge for the Patriots' backfield.

Such a role would comfort the recent injury to former third-down running back Danny Woodhead and perhaps open the field even more for Tom Brady’s aerial assault.

Wes Welker

Tom Brady is currently on pace to shatter Dan Marino’s passing-yardage record, and he owes much of those completions to Wes Welker—who is also on pace to break records for receiving yards and receptions.

Despite the new protections for receivers over the middle, one cannot avoid worrying about Welker’s 5’9” frame and massive abuse it sustains on a weekly basis.

If the Patriots are to maintain their health through a full 19 weeks of football, they must share the offensive load by trusting in their running game.

The Defense

The Patriots have given up the most passing yards per game of any NFL team and haven’t been able to consistently stop the run in years.

Clearly, the strength of the team is the offense. In order to ride such a one-dimensional team to the Super Bowl, you must cover all your offensive bases as best you can.

Without a threatening running game, the passing attack may be overburdened, and there is far more room for upsets.

So while Tom and Wes may grab the headlines, it’s Stevan and BenJarvus that could decide the season.