by Hanna Edwards

Created on: August 13, 2009   Last Updated: August 14, 2009

The football offensive line underpins the success of a team's offense. Offensive linemen rarely get the adulation that quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers receive. Their battles are constant, and their victories more subtle.

Success is often measured by what didn't happen: the quarterback was not sacked, the tailback did not lose yardage. The offensive line takes the first hits and bears the brunt of attacks from the giant defensive linemen who attempt to penetrate the line to stop the play. It's no surprise then that the offensive line typically contains the largest players on the team.

But the offensive line positions require agility and speed as well as bulk and strength. The rules of the game require them to spring up from a crouch to meet their defenders. After opening a hole at the line of scrimmage, offensive linemen run down field with running backs, too.

The core of the offensive line are the tackles (left and right), guards (left and right) and the center. The center is the lineman who snaps the ball to the quarterback to start the play. This requires great physical skill and balance, as he must move forward out of a crouch after performing a motion that moves his body backward.

The guards are on either side of the center. Guards have multiple functions. In a passing play, they remain as part of the pocket to protect the quarterback. On a running play, however, they will often "pull" out of the line as a lead blocker for the running back. They run as far as they can with the running back down the field.

Tackles are the offensive linemen on the outside of the offensive line formation. The tackles' job is to prevent defensive linemen from flanking the offensive line and hitting the quarterback. Of particular importance is the tackle on the quarterback's off-hand side. During the throwing motion, the quarterback turns his back to his off-hand side and can be blindsided by a charging defender with devastating results.

Guards and tackles are not allowed to cross the line of scrimmage until the football crosses the line. If they cross the line before the ball, the team incurs a penalty of "ineligible receiver down field." The core offensive linemen are not able to catch a pass or carry the ball unless they have specifically checked in with the referee as an eligible receiver. Unfortunately, this telegraphs the play to the defense and reduces the success rate of the play. Linemen are allowed to recover fumbles at any time, however.

Fullbacks and tight ends frequently assist the core offensive line with blocking duties. Tight ends often help in blocking late blitz attacks or double teaming gifted defensive linemen. Fullbacks serve as lead blockers for the tailbacks. Both positions are also eligible receivers and can carry or catch the ball in specialty plays. On passing plays, the tight end often remains near the quarterback as a safety receiver. Fullbacks are usually the go-to ball carriers for short yardage plays such as third-down or goal-line plays.

The gridiron battle is won or lost at the line of scrimmage, and the offensive line is the lynch pin. Without a set of steady tackles and guards, no quarterback or running back can carry an offense on its back without eventual injury. Gifted offensive linemen are high draft picks and highly paid (sometimes even designated a team's franchise player), and the loss of one to injury or free agency can dash a team's championship hopes.

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