As we discussed earlier today, the New York Jets’ offensive line struggled mightily to create holes in the running game against the Detroit Lions. New York’s running backs rushed for only 38 yards and all 38 of them came after contact. The playmakers were given no room to make things happen.
While the offensive line was certainly poor, there was another pressing issue that deterred the Jets’ run game just as much: the lack of a numbers advantage.
The quality of the blocking is not the only factor involved in determining how much running room is produced on a play.