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In an analytical era where the passing game is glorified and viewed more favorably than rushing attacks, Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers are bobbing while everyone else is weaving.

During the regular season, the 49ers' offense ranked third in points scored (491) and second in yards (6,773). That was primarily due to their strong ground game, which accounted for the third-most rushing yards (2,389) and most rushing touchdowns (27) in the NFL.

Pro Football Focus, often viewed as one of the leaders in the passing-over-running debate, even listed "rushing efficiency" as San Francisco's biggest strength heading into the playoffs.

"You can't talk about a Shanahan-led team without mentioning the run game," PFF's Mason Cameron wrote. "Offensive Player of the Year front-runner Christian McCaffrey leads a backfield that ranks near the top of key metrics, ranging from explosive rushes (63) to expected points added per rush (0.030). That presence on the ground has set up the most effective play-action game in the league, generating 0.455 EPA per play."

McCaffrey also led the NFL in rushing yards by a wide margin with 1,459, nearly 300 yards more than second-place Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans.

Running the ball is the key to the 49ers' offense and sets up their passing game, as Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Wednesday.

"You stop the run," Campbell said when asked about his defense's primary focus against San Francisco's offense. "You've got to stop the run because if you don't, they'll rush for 250 on you, and then they won't even worry about passing. Everything has to start there.

"... [Shanahan is] going to work one side and make you overreact and then he counters off of it and then he play-passes off of it and works the middle of the field. So, look, you've got your hands full in both regards. ... As much as you can, you have to try to make this team one-dimensional and that's not easy to do."

We'll find out if Detroit's defense is up for this tall task on Sunday.