Winning vs. Rushing yards allowed on defense

[BengalChris]

One thing that affects this is that opponents tend to run more when they have the lead and throw more when they are behind, particularly in the second half or late in the game depending on how ahead or behind they are.

So, in games where we've led later in games you can expect that opponents will run less.

Now when playing from behind having a good run defense certainly can play a role in winning the game by forcing the opponent, who has a lead, to throw the ball. This is particularly true if you can stop the run on 1st and 2nd down, then they'll go to the air on 3rd.

If a team sucks at defending the run, then, well, their chances of winning decrease. There's less time remaining for their offense and getting run on consistently is generally demoralizing.

Just my thoughts on the subject.