San Diego had the best offense AND defense in the NFL last year and didn't make the play-offs. What good is it if you can throw all over someone but not pick up that critical 3rd and short or do well in the red-zone when the opposing defense has less field to defend? In the play-offs, you need to be able to run the ball in those situations. Payton's offense will get the team to the play-offs, but it won't advance far if they don't develop a running game that they can depend upon when it is needed-- like in "four minute offense" when playing a close game and trying not to turn it over or stop the clock.
And yes, I am questioning Payton. I am questioning the timing of some of his running plays, the running back he uses, the formations, the personnel packages, all of it. Even going back to the Green Bay game in week 1, that last play of the game was so obvious because Jimmy Graham had his hand in the dirt-- there was no chance it was a playaction and everyone knew it was going to be Ingram between the tackles. At least leave a little doubt, where maybe it could be a fake, rollout, and pass to Graham dragging to the corner. Many of the Saints running plays this year have been predictable like that last play of the Green Bay game.