RSS FeedStark Contrast in Running Ability of 2014 NFL Playoff Starting Quarterbacks
By Chris Malumphy
There is a stark contrast in the running ability of the quarterbacks starting in the 2014 NFL playoffs. Age is a key factor. The Seahawks' Russell Wilson (849 yds) and Panthers' Cam Newton (539) often do more damage to their opponents on the ground than through the air. The Colts' Andrew Luck (273 yds) and Packers' Aaron Rodgers (269 yds) can run well when necessary. The Bengals' Andy Dalton (169 yds) can move some. The Lions' Matthew Stafford (93 yds), Ravens' Joe Flacco (70 yds), Cardinals' Drew Stanton (63 yds) and Cowboys' Tony Romo (61 yds) are far less mobile. The Patriots' Tom Brady (57 yds) and Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger (27 yds) are now stuck in the mud. Unless I missed something, the Cardinals Ryan Lindley didn't try to run at all in 2014. And the Broncos' Peyton Manning (-24) averaged minus one yard per carry.
| 2014 NFL Playoff Starting Quarterbacks Yards Rushing | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | Name | Rushes | Yds | Avg | TD | Draft | Round | Pick | Player |
| Seahawks | Russell Wilson | 118 | 849 | 7.2 | 6 | 2012 | 3 | 12 | 75 |
| Panthers | Cam Newton | 103 | 539 | 5.2 | 5 | 2011 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Colts | Andrew Luck | 64 | 273 | 4.3 | 3 | 2012 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Packers | Aaron Rodgers | 43 | 269 | 6.3 | 2 | 2005 | 1 | 24 | 24 |
| Bengals | Andy Dalton | 60 | 169 | 2.8 | 4 | 2011 | 2 | 3 | 35 |
| Lions | Matthew Stafford | 43 | 93 | 2.2 | 2 | 2009 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Ravens | Joe Flacco | 39 | 70 | 1.8 | 2 | 2008 | 1 | 18 | 18 |
| Cardinals | Drew Stanton | 25 | 63 | 2.5 | 0 | 2007 | 2 | 11 | 43 |
| Cowboys | Tony Romo | 26 | 61 | 2.3 | 0 | ||||
| Patriots | Tom Brady | 36 | 57 | 1.6 | 0 | 2000 | 6 | 33 | 199 |
| Steelers | Ben Roethlisberger | 33 | 27 | 0.8 | 0 | 2004 | 1 | 11 | 11 |
| Cardinals | Ryan Lindley | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 2012 | 6 | 15 | 185 |
| Broncos | Peyton Manning | 24 | -24 | -1.0 | 0 | 1998 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
