"We're a throwing offense" -> meaning?

[Alfred001]

I'm pretty sure I understand what this means, but want to double check:

If someone in American football says "We're a throwing offense" it means their attack is based on passing, right?

What's the alternative? The QB making a run for it?

[Phi for All]

What's the alternative? The QB making a run for it?

 

The QB hands off to running backs. The QB can sneak in a very short run every now and then.

[Velocity_Boy]

I'm pretty sure I understand what this means, but want to double check:

If someone in American football says "We're a throwing offense" it means their attack is based on passing, right?

What's the alternative? The QB making a run for it?

Your understanding is perfectly correct. A throwing offense is simply one that relies heavily on its passing attack. Though, not exclusively of course. Even a throwing offense would run the ball at least a dozen times a game. And this running is usually done by a do called running back. They used to be called halfbacks and fullbacks, but not so much nowadays. And often there's only one running back on the field. Who, btw, usually catches passes also.

 

Some QB's run intentionally, as in a called play. But this is fairly uncommon now. Usually when he runs its because he is chased from his passing pocket after he could not find an open receiver.

 

To offer you a bit more on the NFL, that league has itself become a passing league. Never before in its almost 100 year history has passing been so prevalent. Used to be, a team could be successful with a mediocre or even poor passing game. If it's running game and defense were excellent. Such is no longer the case. An effective passing attack is required for success in the NFL. Period.

Edited April 10, 2017 by Velocity_Boy

[Alfred001]

Thanks, guys!