Old-School Football Dominates NFC Wild Card

Old-school football's emphasis on running the ball and stopping the run is proving critical in the NFL's January playoff push. Several key matchups in the NFC wild-card round will likely be decided by the effectiveness of each team's ground game. Injuries to defensive players are significantly impacting teams' abilities to halt opposing run offenses, creating a dynamic where establishing dominance on the ground is paramount for success.

The San Francisco 49ers' defense, hampered by injuries, has struggled to contain the run. This poses a significant challenge when facing the Philadelphia Eagles, whose offense, despite regressing from last season, still generates explosive runs. The Eagles' predictability in their run game, particularly when operating from under center, could be exploited by defenses that can effectively disrupt blocking schemes.

Conversely, teams like the Green Bay Packers are experiencing severe defensive vulnerabilities due to the absence of key players like Micah Parsons, leading to substantial rushing yards being surrendered. As these playoff games unfold, the team that best executes its run game and mitigates the impact of defensive injuries will likely advance.