Read the debate intro and the arguments from Bleacher Fan and Babe Ruthless about whether or not a two back system in the right approach for a successful NFL offense.
I am not totally convinced there is a so-called “right” way and “wrong” way to win in the NFL in the regular season. Coaches make decisions based on whatever fits the makeup of the team and whatever fits the personnel. If that means throwing the ball for big yardage like the Colts, Patriots, and Saints do, then that is fine. If that means building the team around the running game, like the Jets and Titans do, then so be it. However, as I stated in the intro, teams must generally be able to have some sort of running game to achieve postseason greatness. That is why we focused this debate on the running game.
It was the job of Babe Ruthless to argue that having a two-back system is the way to go. Living in the Charlotte area, he has seen up close the benefits of having a two-back system with the tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Those two guys helped the Panthers win the NFC South last season, and are having another solid season in 2009. The Panthers’ poor season has more to do with quarterback Jake Delhomme. In analyzing the tandem the Giants employed last year Babe Ruthless also proved that teams have to have the right personnel to run a two-back system, writing that Ahmad Bradshaw has not quite lived up to what Derrick Ward was able to do in 2008.
Meanwhile, Bleacher Fan, with a ringing endorsement of the Atkins Diet, wrote that the two-back system was not necessarily the best way. (By the way, to the makers of the Atkins Diet, Mr. Bleacher Fan would love to hear from you about endorsement possibilities.)
Bleacher Fan argues that just because the two-back system is effective does not mean it is the best fit and that it will last, using the Wildcat as a prime example.
I am awarding this victory to Babe Ruthless for arguing the issue at hand. Having a two-back system is more effective because, as Babe wrote, “coaches are able to keep the running backs fresher,” and that definitely helps the later in the season a team gets (assuming the head coach and offensive coordinator manages carries properly). On that point, I also agree with what grbaseball contributed in our comments section yesterday, writing that a team is able to get stronger and better blitz protection in a two-back system, and that the team will also own time of possession. Thanks for the comment Grbaseball!
I also believe a two-back system helps in cases where a team has one of the runners go down with an injury. Frank Gore went down for San Francisco earlier this season and missed a couple of games, and what happened to the team? The 49ers went on a free fall, and it started when Gore was hurt. If Jonathan Stewart were to go down with an injury, I believe the Panthers would be able to still have a strong running game with DeAngelo Williams.
It is important that you have the right personnel in place. But a two-back system is the most efficient and provides the best chance for a team to win consistently.
Posted by Loyal Homer 
