Re: Why is our run game better?
 

The cliche is you have to run the ball well to win, but the reality is you have to be winning to run the ball a lot. The exception is a team like Miami with a running game that is much better than their passing game.

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

The running game is also the defense's best friend. Keeps them rested.

If your defense is bad, you BETTER be able to run the ball, or you won't win many games.

I've always liked what a coach once said (maybe Bum or Glanville) "You pass to score and run to win the game".

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

Payton's commitment to the run - PERIOD! Last year he used to talk about balance in the post-game press conference and it was just talk. I also read the comments from some of you guys about the Saints having to abandon the run because we were soooo far behind and had to throw ourselves back into games...POO-POO! Payton was abandoning the running game when we were down 10-7 or 17-13. When we did run the ball it was in that single back set that just made me sick. Running was an after thought, as if 15 or so runs were scheduled just so the stats weren't totally lopsided to the pass. Somewhere towards the end of last season's win-lose see-saw ride, Payton seems to have gotten an epiphany and saw the advantage of having a stablizing running attack that promoted his already potent passing attack - and here we are. PT COULD have been doing what he did at the end of last year, on the front-side of last season. A simple DECISION to keep the offense deversified has made the offense even more unstoppable. Let me just throw in an 3rd-and-1, 4th-and-1 comment: it is just tough to run when there are 10 in the box, I don't care how poor the team is. I think our 3rd / 4th down percentages would change drastically if our sets looked like 3rd-and-4 play sets. The mere presentation of options, and the defense trying to cover them all, would yield better results and put players (backs, Brees, receivers, blockers, everybody) in better positions one-on-one to make plays and get 1 yard. Sometimes the pile just gets toooo big and no gap exists.

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

Yes ... he DID cut Jason David!

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

True, and the additions of Sharper, Greer and Porter, and moving Gay back to his nickel/dime roll helped a lot too.

In 2008, we rarely got out to 20 point leads, and we now have the confidence to run the ball more without fearing we need to score as fast and furiously as possible.

Re: Why is our run game better?
 

I think it's been the Payton's realization that we can with the running game. I seem to remember in the past him commenting how he prefers to pass the ball.
I just want to add that I'll be first one to admit that I was wrong about our O-line. Last year I was calling for changes but this year, I'm really impressed with their play.