Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai

Every inch is earned in the NFL and a physical rushing attack is required to excel in short-yardage situations.

"The aggressor wins in those circumstances," says Denver Broncos left tackle RYAN CLADY on offenses vying for a first down on short-yardage plays.

NFL Network analyst and former All-Star running back MARSHALL FAULK knows the importance of executing on short-yardage opportunities. Faulk totaled 12,279 career rushing yards in 13 NFL seasons (1994-2006) and says finishing on short-yardage opportunities can be the difference in a team being a pretender or contender.

"Short-yardage plays are considered attitude situations for teams," says Faulk. "Teams that execute on third down and pick up the first down are often thought of as tough, hard-nosed teams, especially when they run the football to get those first downs. It's instrumental for teams in this league to have the ability to convert third-and-short situations if you plan on making the playoffs."

Since 2000, Indianapolis Colts running back JOSEPH ADDAI ranks first in the NFL among active running backs with a 79.2 conversion percentage on third down with two-or-fewer yards to go. From a technique standpoint, Addai says running backs have to win the leverage battle by being the "lower man."

"It's essential to keep your pad level down," says Addai. "You need to make one cut and go forward. And you have to understand how the blocking is designed so you know the blocking schemes. It makes things a lot easier in those tight situations. I look at the tackles and guards to see how the blocks are forming."

Cincinnati Bengals running back CEDRIC BENSON, who has converted third-and-one situations into first downs three of four times this season focuses on staying patient and finding the smallest opening.

"Defenses don't play straight ahead in a short-yardage situation because all the back has to do then is pick a hole and shoot through it," says Benson. "As a running back, what you're always going to be looking for is that first small, little opening just behind the flow of the defensive front. Short-yardage runs definitely can turn into big plays. If you are able to bust through the front, you can be left with only one defender to beat."

Following are the highest third-down conversion percentages with two-or-fewer yards to go since 2000 among active running backs (minimum 25 attempts):

Teams with the highest third-down conversion percentage with two-or-fewer yards to go through NFL 2009 Week 6

Drew Brees Saints QB

Pats & Bucs Meet in London Plus 3 Unbeatens in Action
NFL 2009 Week 7 Preview

The Patriots-Buccaneers' meeting is the third regular-season game at Wembley Stadium.

Meanwhile, back home stateside, three of the remaining four unbeatens – Indianapolis (5-0), Minnesota (6-0) and New Orleans (5-0) – will be in action. Denver (6-0) has a bye in Week 7 after a 34-23 win at San Diego on Monday night.

Talent & Athleticism Changing Game at Safety Position
NFL 2009

Teams are looking to find players who can guard against the deep throws and disrupt receivers coming over the middle but also make the key tackles as the last line of defense. Among the checklist of things that teams look for in a safety are versatility, athleticism, toughness, speed and the ability to read and react to different offenses.

Picks, Selections & Latest Line
NFL 2009 Week 7

NFL 2009 Standings & Scores

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