Stopping the run should still be priority

Think about how many situations that a team has 3rd and 1 or 2, regardless of time left or point differential. An offense will pound the rock against an average or poor run defense in that situation. Drives will be sustained, as well as game winning drives in the 4th quarter when tied or down by 1 or 2.

Also, you can have an average pass defense in yards allowed as long as your D can create pressure on the QB.