NFL Playoff winning formula 10,000 ft view

[Rockport]

Offense

You must have a balanced attack proving that you can both run the ball and pass the ball. At times, you need to run the ball to open up play action pass. Other times you’ll need to run the ball and wear out the defense when ahead in the 2nd half. That’s much easier to do with a good passing game.

At times you’ll need to pass the ball, if the game is close, or to open up the run game. That’s much easier to do with a good running game.

Defense

The #1 priority of the defense is to be able to stop the run. It turns a team into a 1 dimensional team. Then you have them where you want them. If you can’t stop the run, you’re doomed in the playoffs.

 

[Bullflop]

There's no question but what you've said here gives a true picture of what an NFL organization is well-advised to follow. Let's hope the Dallas Cowboys' organization qualifies as one that makes sure to observe those requirements now and in the future.
Amen to that. The Cowboys' FO must make sure to serve that purpose religiously!

 

[Chasing6]

Offense

You must have a balanced attack proving that you can both run the ball and pass the ball. At times, you need to run the ball to open up play action pass. Other times you’ll need to run the ball and wear out the defense when ahead in the 2nd half. That’s much easier to do with a good passing game.

At times you’ll need to pass the ball, if the game is close, or to open up the run game. That’s much easier to do with a good running game.

Defense

The #1 priority of the defense is to be able to stop the run. It turns a team into a 1 dimensional team. Then you have them where you want them. If you can’t stop the run, you’re doomed in the playoffs.

100% correct. Just to add to that.

Defense

Everything starts in the trenches. A good DLine makes the LB's jobs easier. A good pass rush makes the DB's jobs easier.

Offense

Everything starts in the trenches. A good OLine opens up the running lanes. A good OLine gives your QB more time to throw the ball and more time for your receivers to get open.

Physicality starts in the trenches and the Cowboys severely lack physicality in the playoffs. Physicality is consistent and it wears teams down to a point where you can oppose their will.

 

[Hardline]

A great "state the obvious" post.

 

[diamonddelts]

Offense

You must have a balanced attack proving that you can both run the ball and pass the ball. At times, you need to run the ball to open up play action pass. Other times you’ll need to run the ball and wear out the defense when ahead in the 2nd half. That’s much easier to do with a good passing game.

At times you’ll need to pass the ball, if the game is close, or to open up the run game. That’s much easier to do with a good running game.

Defense

The #1 priority of the defense is to be able to stop the run. It turns a team into a 1 dimensional team. Then you have them where you want them. If you can’t stop the run, you’re doomed in the playoffs.

Everything Dallas lacks. It will be more of the same in 2024. Zero offensive line depth.Weak defensive line getting pushed back into the linebackers. Light in the arse linebackers missing tackles and inability to get off blocks. Second rate safeties inability to make plays.

 

[noshame]

Control both sides of the LOS.
Have a QB that makes difficult throws and doesn't turn the ball over.
Disciplined play.
CHAMPIONSHIP!

 

[Aven8]

Had we beaten GB we would have faced Detroit again with Gibbs and company, and than on to SF and McCaffrey. It was never going to work with Bell and company at LB…..

 

[DeaconMoss]

Offense

You must have a balanced attack proving that you can both run the ball and pass the ball. At times, you need to run the ball to open up play action pass. Other times you’ll need to run the ball and wear out the defense when ahead in the 2nd half. That’s much easier to do with a good passing game.

At times you’ll need to pass the ball, if the game is close, or to open up the run game. That’s much easier to do with a good running game. Having a good QB who doesn't play like a toddler in big games is a key to success. It also helps when they limit turnovers in key moments and are able to provide a lead for a defense to play their best.

fixed

 

[Redline360]

Like others have mentioned it starts and ends in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

Also helps not abandoning the run and keeping the other team honest. Pacheco averaged 18-24 carries per game besides the bills game in the post season. 3.7, 2.8, 3.3ypc against the dolphins, ravens, and niners.

Pollard was 3.7ypc at 15 carries so its not KC dominated on the ground. Niners also focused on stopping the run and letting dak "beat" them.

Plus helps having a top tier QB

 

[Creeper]

I don't think there is one formula for winning, but the one you stated is probably the easiest to achieve, if you think about it. Then again, it helps to have a clear plan.

I think the priority has to be on the defense. You don't need a stifling defense like the '85 Bears, but you need a defense that can hold the opponent when it has to. More than anything, you need players who play their best when the the chips are down.

The Cowboys offense was good enough last year. The defense was undermanned. I don't know what happened against GB. The defense didn't just get run on. The secondary left receivers wide open for big plays 4 or 5 times too. It was a bad time for the secondary to fall apart after playing pretty well all year.

 

[nalam]

100% correct. Just to add to that.

Defense

Everything starts in the trenches. A good DLine makes the LB's jobs easier. A good pass rush makes the DB's jobs easier.

Offense

Everything starts in the trenches. A good OLine opens up the running lanes. A good OLine gives your QB more time to throw the ball and more time for your receivers to get open.

Physicality starts in the trenches and the Cowboys severely lack physicality in the playoffs. Physicality is consistent and it wears teams down to a point where you can oppose their will.

Trench strength translates well in the playoffs, of course steel nerved QBs also help.

 

[Chasing6]

Trench strength translates well in the playoffs, of course steel nerved QBs also help.

It is funny how QB confidence goes up with a dominant OLine and a strong run game.

Also much easier to win when your D only gives up 17 points a game.

 

[Mikexike]

100% correct. Just to add to that.

Defense

Everything starts in the trenches. A good DLine makes the LB's jobs easier. A good pass rush makes the DB's jobs easier.

Offense

Everything starts in the trenches. A good OLine opens up the running lanes. A good OLine gives your QB more time to throw the ball and more time for your receivers to get open.

Physicality starts in the trenches and the Cowboys severely lack physicality in the playoffs. Physicality is consistent and it wears teams down to a point where you can oppose their will.

We could do all this but we probably will look like the eagles.... Both lines are good but you wont have great LBs or DBs if that's where the money is at. On top of that you have the QB which is kinda similar to hurts and how they have failed.

 

[diamonddelts]

Trench strength translates well in the playoffs, of course steel nerved QBs also help.

Dallas has neither.

 

[Brax]

It is funny how QB confidence goes up with a dominant OLine and a strong run game.

Also much easier to win when your D only gives up 17 points a game.

Yes 19 and 23 is too much to ask to overcome from a top paid QB in the playoffs

 

[Chasing6]

Yes 19 and 23 is too much to ask to overcome from a top paid QB in the playoffs

KC average D gave up 17 points.

 

[Captain-Crash]

I agree, dak needs the best offensive line ever assembled in the NFL to look okay. Maybe he can give some of the 1/4 billion he's shooting for to buy linemen with his money. I doubt that would be illegal.

 

[Chasing6]

I agree, dak needs the best offensive line ever assembled in the NFL to look okay. Maybe he can give some of the 1/4 billion he's shooting for to buy linemen with his money. I doubt that would be illegal.

So the OLine plays defense now?

 

[rnr_honeybadger]

There are a few things teams cannot overcome
1. Terrible QB play
2. Bad defensive line play

The Cowboys have had one or both of these happen during their playoff losses. Definitely both happened in that GB game.

 

[rnr_honeybadger]

So the OLine plays defense now?

Well solid offensive play helps the defense out and vice versa. When the offense can't string together a drive until few minutes before the end of the half, turns the ball over you have essentially hung your defense out to dry. And you can scream about the defense needs to stand up or beat people up, hot boyz hot boyz, it won't mean anything because you can only keep bailing out people so many times. For this go look at the playoff game against San Fran in 2023 - defense holds the opponent to under 20 points. What's the common claim that is stated here - hey if the offense scores 21 it should be a win. Well the defense held their offense to under 21, where was the offense? Btw, that game the defense showed up and the offense and Dak crapped the bed.