Does Scheme Win?
Ohio State says no...
Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott
Photo credit: Brandon Wade, AP Photo
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/elliott-buckeyes-answer-early-oregon-score-14-lead-28181044
The Ohio State defense gangs up on Oregon QB Marcus Mariota
photo credit: Kyle Terada, USA Today
You can argue that a clever scheme has enabled teams to beat superior opponents, as the Wildcat helped the Miami Dolphins beat the New England Patriots 38-13 on September 21, 2008. You'd be correct in making that argument. But such things depend more on surprise than on the cleverness of the scheme. When it comes to bowl games at the college level, playoffs at the pro level, or championships at any level, an innovative scheme doesn't help you win.
Oregon, who was missing two of their top receivers from the season, relied on their fast-paced offense and speedy players to flummox the Ohio State defense.
But Ohio State was physical, tough, and played with discipline. They weren't intimidated by the Ducks' speed; they simply dominated the line of scrimmage, disrupted the Oregon offense, and played tight coverage.
Photo credit: Getty Images
This just goes to show that an offensive scheme, even a fast and innovative implementation of the read-option, cannot overcome physical inferiority in championship football.
As further evidence, take Super Bowl 48, which saw the Seattle Seahawks take on the Denver Broncos. The Seahawks were built around the run game on offense, and around a tough, disciplined, aggressive defense. The Broncos were built around Peyton Manning and the passing game.
Seattle and their stifling defense crushed the high-flying Denver offense. Peyton Manning might be the smartest and most disciplined quarterback in the NFL, and perhaps even the smartest quarterback ever to play the game. But he and his speedy, complex offense stood helpless in the face of Seattle's physically dominant defense.
The 43-8 Seattle victory left no doubt: win at the line of scrimmage, win the game. Seattle didn't just win at the line of scrimmage, they also played coverage with discipline. They jammed receivers on their release, they communicated well, they hit hard, they provided safety help in coverage, and they blitzed Manning to force errant throws.
Ohio State's play was reminiscent of that Seattle team. They pressured Oregon QB Marcus Mariota, they were disciplined in rarely letting Mariota escape the pocket to run for first downs, they played tight and physical coverage, they laid down a couple big hits on receivers, and they didn't let Oregon get comfortable. On offense, Ohio State similarly dominated the line of scrimmage, often giving the Buckeyes' third-string quarterback Cardale Jones as much time as he needed to find an open receiver. They also blocked well enough for either the big, punishing QB Jones or the quick and tough running back Ezekiel Elliott to make huge gains.
The 42-20 victory vindicated Ohio State's tough, physical approach to the game. Oregon's speed was neutralized by the superior strength of Ohio State.
Photo credit: Reuters
Chip Kelly was notably overheard saying during the Eagles' Week 6 (2014) shutout of the Giants that "Culture wins football. Culture'll beat scheme every day." Well, Ohio State's culture was to play a tough, physical, disciplined brand of football. They were ready, and they beat the creative scheme of Oregon.
In the long history of football, teams that can run the ball effectively and pressure the opposing offense usually win, especially when it comes to championship games against tough teams. Scheme apparently counts for little when the games matter most.
In a previous article, I argued that depth on offensive line is a critical need for the Eagles; one that they need to improve upon during the offseason. I also believe that depth is critical at the inside linebacker position. Having watched last night's College Football Playoff National Championship, my belief in the importance of the offensive line, and the importance of the defensive line and linebackers, has only been reinforced.
To ensure success, the Eagles need to play tough, physical football. Having a "dual-threat" quarterback like Marcus Mariota is less important to building a championship team than being able to effectively run the ball on offense, and stop the run (and, to a lesser degree, the pass) on defense.
Part of that will involve further improving the talent of the defensive line and the linebacking corps, part of that will involve getting tougher cornerbacks who can jam receivers at the line to disrupt their timing, and part of that will be to ensure that the Eagles can run the ball effectively--even if some of the starting offensive linemen are out, as was the case in 2014. Ohio State showed last night how critical these things are to championship football. Seattle showed that this is just as true at the NFL level as it is in college, maybe even more so. The Ravens followed this formula in 2013, the Giants did it in 2012, the Packers did the same in 2011, the Saints continued that pattern in 2010, the Steelers trumped the Cardinals in 2009...I think you see where I'm going with this. Some Super Bowl champions did have a good passing offense, while others focused more on the run. Each of these past six NFL champions, and most of the others, could run the ball and play strong defense (especially against the run).
If you want to win the biggest games, you have to be physically dominant. The inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship game provides just one more example of that truth.
Chip Kelly is right about one thing: scheme doesn't win football games.
We need to see more of this in 2015...
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