1. Dominant Pass Rush
Examples: 2008 Giants, 2011 Giants, 2013 Seahawks, 2015 Broncos
Having an effective pass rush is the quickest way to shut down an opposing offense. It becomes especially important in the playoffs, as the Giants have proven twice. The most important playoff factor used to be an effective running game, but in today’s NFL, that’s just not very common anymore. Last season, Von Miller won MVP of the Super Bowl in a game that included Peyton Manning and Cam Newton. Miller was unblockable during Denver’s entire playoff run.
In regards to the Lions, they are still trying to recreate the pass rush that led them to an 11-5 record in 2014.