Bengals v Patriots - who has the better run game?

[KillerGoose]

(12-22-2022, 10:12 AM)Tomkat Wrote: With the forecast for bitter cold and high winds that could drastically effect the passing game, I was just curious who has the better run game of the two teams, and it seems that NE is slightly better.



I wonder how much of an impact this (and the weather) will have on the game?
Is this something to be concerned about?

The Patriots are notably better, and I would venture to say it isn't close. The Patriots have much more dynamic backs. When we look at the averages between each teams backfield (RBs only), the difference is more noticeable. New England is averaging 4.75 yards per attempt when they hand the ball off to one of their RBs (4th in the league) whereas Cincinnati is averaging 4.10 yards per carry (18th). Their backs are forcing more missed tackles and averaging significantly more yards after contact. If you use PFR as the source, Mixon has broken seven tackles all season, averaging a broken tackle every 26 carries, or basically every other game. Rhamondre Stevenson has 23 broken tackles on the season, averaging a broken tackle every eight carries. 

The Bengals are a bottom tier running game. New England is arguably elite.