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There was a time when the majority of football fans understood POSITIONAL IMPORTANCE.
I don't know if it's because of the rise of fantasy football or because of writers on the Bleacher Report or what, but I just don't think people "get" the concept anymore.
Every year, there are arguments on this very message board with people claiming you don't need a good quarterback to succeed. Because, you know... Trent Dilfer won a Super Bowl one time.
Now, there are people pushing for us to draft a GUARD at #10, despite a glaring hole at Left Tackle. We cannot make this mistake. Left Tackle is the most important position on the offensive line, and the possibly the second most important position on the team - after quarterback. For those that don't "get" that concept, here is a simple breakdown:
> When a right-handed quarterback (such as Ryan Fitzpatrick) drops back and prepares to throw, his back will be to the left side of the offensive line.
> This makes it very difficult (if not impossible) to see a pass rusher coming around the edge on the left side.
> If Erik Pears, Kraig Urbik, Eric Wood or Andy Levitre misses their block, it will likely disrupt the play. However, Fitz might see it coming, prompting him to throw the ball away or tuck the ball tightly and take a sack.
> If Chris Hairston (or whoever is playing left tackle) misses his block, Fitz probably won't see it coming. This means a higher chance for a sack, a higher chance for a fumble and a higher chance for an injury.
This is why Left Tackles are MUCH MUCH MUCH more important than interior linemen. And it's why smart teams are willing to spend high picks on them, but will let guards and centers go until the mid rounds.
I don't know if it's because of the rise of fantasy football or because of writers on the Bleacher Report or what, but I just don't think people "get" the concept anymore.
Every year, there are arguments on this very message board with people claiming you don't need a good quarterback to succeed. Because, you know... Trent Dilfer won a Super Bowl one time.
Now, there are people pushing for us to draft a GUARD at #10, despite a glaring hole at Left Tackle. We cannot make this mistake. Left Tackle is the most important position on the offensive line, and the possibly the second most important position on the team - after quarterback. For those that don't "get" that concept, here is a simple breakdown:
> When a right-handed quarterback (such as Ryan Fitzpatrick) drops back and prepares to throw, his back will be to the left side of the offensive line.
> This makes it very difficult (if not impossible) to see a pass rusher coming around the edge on the left side.
> If Erik Pears, Kraig Urbik, Eric Wood or Andy Levitre misses their block, it will likely disrupt the play. However, Fitz might see it coming, prompting him to throw the ball away or tuck the ball tightly and take a sack.
> If Chris Hairston (or whoever is playing left tackle) misses his block, Fitz probably won't see it coming. This means a higher chance for a sack, a higher chance for a fumble and a higher chance for an injury.
This is why Left Tackles are MUCH MUCH MUCH more important than interior linemen. And it's why smart teams are willing to spend high picks on them, but will let guards and centers go until the mid rounds.
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