NFL Football 2011

Michael Turner
Michael Turner

When an offense runs the ball effectively, it sets up manageable third-down situations and controls the clock to help the team succeed in all phases of the game.

In 2010, NFL teams with a 100-yard rusher in a game posted an 87-34 record (.719), a winning percentage that rated higher than clubs boasting either a 100-yard receiver (.538; 92-79) or a 300-yard passer (.490; 47-49). It marked the third time in the past four seasons that NFL clubs with 100-yard rushers in a game registered a winning percentage above .700, a mark not reached by teams with 100-yard receivers or 300-yard passers in each of the past five seasons.

"I'm in the games and I'm being productive. That's what my team needs me to do," says Atlanta Falcons All-Star running back MICHAEL TURNER, whose squad was undefeated (7-0) last season in his NFC-best seven 100-yard rushing games. "The numbers will take care of themselves if you are going out there and playing hard."

Over the past five years, teams have compiled a 468-183 record (.719) when a player has eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark.

By comparison, clubs with a 300-yard passer have a .570 winning percentage (240-181-1), while offenses with a 100-yard receiver have won 56.9 percent of games (440-333-1).

Winning percentage of NFL teams with a 100-yard rusher, 100-yard receiver, or 300-yard passer over the past five seasons

  100-Yard Rushers 100-Yard Receivers 300-Yard Passers
Year W-L Pct. W-L Pct. W-L Pct.
Source: NFL
2006107-47.69581-68.54436-29.554
2007102-37.73487-66.56943-38.531
200893-30.75688-63.58247-28.625
200979-35.69392-57.61767-37.644
201087-34.71992-79.53847-49.490
Total468-183.719440-333.569240-181.570

NFL 2011 - The Importance of Running the Ball in the NFL