Team Structure

[Whatever]

(07-06-2021, 11:34 AM)EatonFan Wrote: I believe that structure is the most successful -- Stingy D.  But for whatever reason, it doesn't seem to last long.  The Steelers of the 70s being the possible exception.  The '86 Bears.  '00 Ravens.

EDIT:  Although just looking at those standout years, maybe that's a misconception.  Tampa Bay last year had a very balanced roster.  Ranked 3rd on offense scoring, 6th on D.

The problem with trying to focus on an elite defense is that you have to build it to shut down both the run and the pass.  You can build a high powered offense without a great run game, so it's easier to build and maintain on that side of the ball.  From a roster composition standpoint, a high powered offense helps you by making opposing offenses more one dimensional and helping take their run game out of the equation, allowing you to focus more on pass rushers and the secondary and not worry so much about run stuffers.  When building a team around an elite defense, you have to be more balanced on offense because you typically want a strong run game to play ball control and allow the D to rest, but you still have to be able to throw the ball in today's game to be successful.