Vikings vs. Packers, 2013 NFL Playoffs: Joe Webb's presence required shift in offensive philosophy

When Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder was a last minute scratch from the lineup prior to Saturday's playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, many thought that his replacement, Joe Webb, a talented running quarterback, could give the Packers problems because they weren't as prepared for him.

The Packers adjusted easier than anticipated, however, and as Christopher Gates of Vikings blog The Daily Norseman points out, it was the Vikings who appeared to have trouble adjusting to Webb.

"A "running quarterback" like Tebow or Webb can be successful in the National Football League if. . .and only if. . .their offensive coordinator is willing to swallow their pride/ego and go whole hog into an offensive system that is designed around their strengths," Gates writes. "It also helps if such a system has time to be developed and installed over the course of a few weeks. Game 17? In the post-season? On the road? Yeah. . .I think we can all pretty much agree that's the wrong time to attempt to change the offensive philosophy of your football team."

The Packers went on to win the game 24-10 as Webb carried the ball just seven times for 68 yards. He was also 11-30 passing for 180 yards for a touchdown and an interception.