The importance of a good NFL center

**cdcox** · 10-27-2007, 09:08 PM

Posted for the n00b findthedr:

In his best seller The Blind Side, Michael Lewis explains the evolution of football's left tackle position. Lewis rightly shows how left tackles have evolved from anonymous bludgeoners to highly paid, important players charged with protecting the quarterback from speed rushers like Lawrence Taylor. But the rise of the left tackle is old news, as the game has evolved yet again. Now, the most important guy on the offensive line—and the second-most important offensive player, behind the quarterback—is the man in the middle: the center.

Centers aren't physical freaks like their brethrens at tackle. Few exceed 300 pounds. The ideal middleman is athletic, with the speed to pull outside, the strength to grapple with enormous defenders, and the niftiness to throw as many as three blocks on the same play. Of course, he has to have good hands, as he snaps the ball on every play, then must quickly get his mitts on a bull-rushing 350-pounder or be squashed flat. Most important, the center needs to be brainy, with as firm a command of the playbook as the quarterback. Before each play, he must call out protections, telling each of his linemates which onrushing defender to pick up. The center is the guy who puts the skill players in position to make plays. He ensures runners have holes and that the quarterback has time to throw.

Two recent developments have made the center even more crucial to offensive success. The first is the increasingly exotic nature of NFL defenses, in which multiple blitzers often come from all angles. The second is the emergence of the ultramammoth run stuffer, a 350-pound behemoth who clogs the middle of the field.

So, how can you gauge how well your team's center is performing? The most obvious sign is how easily blitzing linebackers and defensive backs get to the quarterback.* If defenders come unabated, it's usually not because the offensive line got beaten physically—it's because the center has missed something. Also, quarterbacks are most successful when they step up into the pocket. If the QB has an open lane when he steps up, give the center thumbs up. When it comes to the running game, if the back is forced to bounce outside when the play is designed to go inside, the center is struggling to control the interior. Contrarily, if you hear the announcers use the phrase "running downhill" a lot, then the line is opening holes inside for the runner to hit without breaking stride. And that team's probably winning.
http://slate.com/id/2156923/

**cdcox** · 10-27-2007, 09:41 PM

I'm thinking adding three new starters to the OL will add enough chaos without switching the position of the two holdovers. McIntosh's strength seems to be pass blocking and he seems to be an adequate LT. I might be inclined to consider Waters at center though. Interesting idea.

Mr. Kotter · 10-27-2007, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdcox

I'm thinking adding three new starters to the OL will add enough chaos without switching the position of the two holdovers. McIntosh's strength seems to be pass blocking and he seems to be an adequate LT. I might be inclined to consider Waters at center though. Interesting idea.

Waters at Center? It's one of those Pass/Fail measures. As such, I'd try Niswanger there....FIRST. And if he didn't work out, then try....a second, third or higer ranked player to "step into,"that crucial spot.

Mecca · 10-27-2007, 09:54 PM

The Chiefs pretty much have to find 2-3 Oline starters after this year, whether it's 2 draft picks 1 pick 1 sign, 2 picks 1 sign....something like that...

Mr. Laz · 10-27-2007, 10:07 PM

wiegmann is only 285lbs at the beginning of the year after bulking up all offseason.

towards the end of the season he is closer to 265lbs

Chiefs=Champions · 10-28-2007, 03:18 AM

Putting our two best offensive line players in new positions is not a good idea, interesting though. McIntosh is a Lt and he’s a pretty good one at that not perfect but he'll do, also having played LT all his career it would not be a good idea to switch him around. It can be a lot harder to switch sides on the line than you think, especially playing one side your whole career.

As with Waters bad idea moving an all pro to a different position, even if he has played it before. As Mr. Kotter said there is just as much chance of failure than there is as it being a success, and why fix something that isn’t broken (not the o line but waters).

I think we should give niswager a chance this season, atleast a few snaps and see if he could be a starter next year otherwise draft a high round centre. With RG it’s obvious that welbourn has to go and hopefully svi tek or herb taylor could take over. From what ive seen of svi tek like u stated he could be a good guard but it’s probably unlikely they put him there. With RT there seems to be a high supply of tackles coming out of the draft although I haven’t looked at many of them play. However if we get a chance at one of the elites like Sam Baker or the like, we MUST take a chance at one.

**Tribal Warfare** · 10-28-2007, 06:13 AM

If the Elite OTs are available in the draft I'd definitely would switch Mcintosh to RT, always have your best players on the field especially on the OL. Furthermore, I'm not a real fan of Mcintosh anyway, he got owned by Justin Smith the other week with slight moves on speed rushes.

Adept Havelock · 10-28-2007, 09:20 AM

As I recall, the last time we tried Brian Waters at Center was basically a farce. Repeated problems with Center/QB exchange.

We'll have enough issues with 2-3 new starters, let's not shuffle the rest of them unless there is no other choice.

Direckshun · 10-28-2007, 11:20 AM

I would be opposed to Waters at C. If it ain't broke, you don't fix it, and Waters is the only thing on this OL that ain't broke. Keep him at LG, and build around him.

I think McIntosh holds LT down pretty well, so let the stud OT start at RT.

As for C and RG... lots of work to be done there.

Whatever we do, figure out the starting lineup and get them HUNDREDS of reps together in the preseason.

**the Talking Can** · 10-28-2007, 11:26 AM

C is the new LT

10-27-2007, 09:08 PM
cdcox www.nfl-forecast.com Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $-648231	The importance of a good NFL center Posted for the n00b findthedr: In his best seller The Blind Side, Michael Lewis explains the evolution of football's left tackle position. Lewis rightly shows how left tackles have evolved from anonymous bludgeoners to highly paid, important players charged with protecting the quarterback from speed rushers like Lawrence Taylor. But the rise of the left tackle is old news, as the game has evolved yet again. Now, the most important guy on the offensive line—and the second-most important offensive player, behind the quarterback—is the man in the middle: the center. Centers aren't physical freaks like their brethrens at tackle. Few exceed 300 pounds. The ideal middleman is athletic, with the speed to pull outside, the strength to grapple with enormous defenders, and the niftiness to throw as many as three blocks on the same play. Of course, he has to have good hands, as he snaps the ball on every play, then must quickly get his mitts on a bull-rushing 350-pounder or be squashed flat. Most important, the center needs to be brainy, with as firm a command of the playbook as the quarterback. Before each play, he must call out protections, telling each of his linemates which onrushing defender to pick up. The center is the guy who puts the skill players in position to make plays. He ensures runners have holes and that the quarterback has time to throw. Two recent developments have made the center even more crucial to offensive success. The first is the increasingly exotic nature of NFL defenses, in which multiple blitzers often come from all angles. The second is the emergence of the ultramammoth run stuffer, a 350-pound behemoth who clogs the middle of the field. So, how can you gauge how well your team's center is performing? The most obvious sign is how easily blitzing linebackers and defensive backs get to the quarterback.* If defenders come unabated, it's usually not because the offensive line got beaten physically—it's because the center has missed something. Also, quarterbacks are most successful when they step up into the pocket. If the QB has an open lane when he steps up, give the center thumbs up. When it comes to the running game, if the back is forced to bounce outside when the play is designed to go inside, the center is struggling to control the interior. Contrarily, if you hear the announcers use the phrase "running downhill" a lot, then the line is opening holes inside for the runner to hit without breaking stride. And that team's probably winning. http://slate.com/id/2156923/
Posts: 46,037

10-27-2007, 09:41 PM	#2
cdcox www.nfl-forecast.com Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $-648231	I'm thinking adding three new starters to the OL will add enough chaos without switching the position of the two holdovers. McIntosh's strength seems to be pass blocking and he seems to be an adequate LT. I might be inclined to consider Waters at center though. Interesting idea.
Posts: 46,037

10-27-2007, 09:54 PM	#4
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-782950	The Chiefs pretty much have to find 2-3 Oline starters after this year, whether it's 2 draft picks 1 pick 1 sign, 2 picks 1 sign....something like that...
Posts: 115,415

10-27-2007, 10:07 PM	#5
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	wiegmann is only 285lbs at the beginning of the year after bulking up all offseason. towards the end of the season he is closer to 265lbs __________________
Posts: 95,626

10-28-2007, 03:18 AM	#6
Chiefs=Champions Training Camp Hero Join Date: Oct 2006 Casino cash: $7954801	Putting our two best offensive line players in new positions is not a good idea, interesting though. McIntosh is a Lt and he’s a pretty good one at that not perfect but he'll do, also having played LT all his career it would not be a good idea to switch him around. It can be a lot harder to switch sides on the line than you think, especially playing one side your whole career. As with Waters bad idea moving an all pro to a different position, even if he has played it before. As Mr. Kotter said there is just as much chance of failure than there is as it being a success, and why fix something that isn’t broken (not the o line but waters). I think we should give niswager a chance this season, atleast a few snaps and see if he could be a starter next year otherwise draft a high round centre. With RG it’s obvious that welbourn has to go and hopefully svi tek or herb taylor could take over. From what ive seen of svi tek like u stated he could be a good guard but it’s probably unlikely they put him there. With RT there seems to be a high supply of tackles coming out of the draft although I haven’t looked at many of them play. However if we get a chance at one of the elites like Sam Baker or the like, we MUST take a chance at one.
Posts: 6,001

10-28-2007, 06:13 AM	#7
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3087187	If the Elite OTs are available in the draft I'd definitely would switch Mcintosh to RT, always have your best players on the field especially on the OL. Furthermore, I'm not a real fan of Mcintosh anyway, he got owned by Justin Smith the other week with slight moves on speed rushes. __________________ Last edited by Tribal Warfare; 10-28-2007 at 07:44 AM..
Posts: 43,464

10-28-2007, 09:20 AM	#8
Adept Havelock Obligatory Thoughtcriminal Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Flux,awaiting an observer Casino cash: $10004900	As I recall, the last time we tried Brian Waters at Center was basically a farce. Repeated problems with Center/QB exchange. We'll have enough issues with 2-3 new starters, let's not shuffle the rest of them unless there is no other choice. __________________ No matter how cynical you are, it is impossible to keep up. -Lily Tomlin I'd rather be a climbing monkey than a falling angel. -Terry Pratchett
Posts: 14,305

10-28-2007, 11:20 AM	#9
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	I would be opposed to Waters at C. If it ain't broke, you don't fix it, and Waters is the only thing on this OL that ain't broke. Keep him at LG, and build around him. I think McIntosh holds LT down pretty well, so let the stud OT start at RT. As for C and RG... lots of work to be done there. Whatever we do, figure out the starting lineup and get them HUNDREDS of reps together in the preseason.
Posts: 59,693

10-28-2007, 11:26 AM	#10
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $9082208	C is the new LT __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585