[luv]

Originally Posted by cdcox

Tackle is the more demanding position because the tackles are often responsible for a larger pass rush lane. The DL can rush wide of you, inside of you, or over the top of you. For some plays, the tackle may be responsible for the widest rusher. In other words, if the LB blitzes, the tackle may have to slide off the DE and go after the blitzing LB. In general the tackle faces athletic rushers that combine both power and speed. The tackle that protects the QBs blind side (LT for a RH QB or RT for a LH QB) is especially important since if he blows his assignment the QB could fumble or be injured. Another reason the LT is the most important position on the line is that the TE often lines up next to the RT, so the RT typically gets more help than the LT.

In contrast, the guard has a more narrow passing lane to defend and is typically going against a more powerful but less athletic pass rusher. The job of the guards and center is to keep the DT (and any blitzes from the middle) from collapsing the pocket and applying pressure up the in the middle of the line. Pressure from the middle is the most difficult for the defense to achieve, but also the most disruptive to the QB and the other team's offense. This is because when the QB passes, he wants to step up into the pocket. QBs throw better when their momentum is moving forward when they release the ball. Pressure from the middle disrupts this.

In general, the job of OL on passing plays is to engage the DL while moving slightly backward. An OL wants to keep his body between the DL and the QB.

On running plays things are the exact opposite; the OL are trying to push the DL and LB down field to make room for the RB. Normally the OL is trying to open a hole for the RB. This normally involves coordination between the movement in the backfield and the angles that the OL engage the DL. This can get extremely complicated and is almost impossible to show without diagramming plays. The run blocking skills that you want from your lineman depend on the running game strategy that your team employs. However, in gerneral, guards need to have enough foot speed that they can pull our of their normal position in the line to lead a sweep around the end of the line.

This is only the tip of the iceberg, but gives a basic idea.

I can understand that. THanks.