Quote:
Originally Posted by Groves
Yea, I'm sure the lack of pads alter it completely, but I'm curious about who the game favors as it's played for real.
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The game favors the more talented individual on either side of the ball, just like it does in every other game. It's why guys like Reggie White, Derrick Thomas, Lawrence Taylor, Anthony Munoz, Tony Boselli, et al, were able to dominate more often than not. It's why there is the draft, and why every team hopes that they get the next Thomas, Taylor, Ogden, etc., because having a guy like that helps a team on that side of the ball as such an individual requires specific game planning to mitigate or neutralize.
However, schemes/game plans go a long way in helping address individual weakness on either side of the line. (See Alex Gibbs as a perfect example of how a specific scheme can turn a group of mediocre offensive linemen into a dominant, cohesive unit.) As well, having experience with the other members of a specific line helps in terms of being able to more effectively play as a unit; e.g., the Chief's offensive line early in this decade played together, with almost everyone never missing a game. Same with Colts and Patriots offensive lines. That led to huge offensive numbers and better execution.
So, in summary, the NFL game is basically setup as a stale mate on both sides of the ball in terms of which is favored, with experience and individual talent prevailing.