by Stephen Murphy

Created on: August 19, 2009   Last Updated: August 20, 2009

Football is the ultimate team event. If one person on the field misses a tackle, or a blown assignment, it could lead to a game changing play for the other team. In other sports, players can slack off or coast on a play, but not in football. At the heart of a football team is the offensive line. They are the strongest, most physical guys on the team and their role as a unit is the most important. They block for the running back on rushes, and they protect the quarterback on pass plays.

On rushing plays, their goal is to put a helmet on a potential tackler. They pave the way for the running back to gain yardage not just on the front line, but often 5 or 10 yards away on a linebacker, or a defensive back. Done correctly that block can lead to a ten or a 15 yard gain, possibly a touchdown. It is not for the feint hearted; they receive no glory and they don't get to score. Their names are not mentioned in record books for touchdowns, or yardage gained.

The offensive line is more than a center, 2 guards, and 2 tackles. Teams add an extra man like a tight end on the side as an extra blocker, who can double in the passing play as a receiver. Sometimes, two tight ends are added with a total of 7 blockers up front. Tight Ends are typically not as heavy as an offensive lineman, but they are just as athletic, because they need to be able to block, as well as catch.

On pass plays the offensive line protects the quarterback and makes it possible for him to find a receiver. Done right and the quarterback has protection formed around him in a horseshoe shape, called the pocket. This pocket allows the quarterback to step into a throw to get an extra 5 or 10 yards. Done poorly and the quarterback doesn't stand a chance; he runs around trying to make something happen, often times leading to a sack or an interception.

The offensive line is a team-within-a-team. They work out in a separate spot of the field and many times hang out off the field as well. They are dynamic, a lot of times before the snap they need to be able to read the defense and make a change before the ball is snapped. They perform more than just run or a pass plays, offensive lineman often times block a type of play called a screen, where they let the defenders through, only to pull to the side to block for a quick pass to the running back or a receiver, allowing them to bypass the defensive line.

In close games, it is the team with the better offensive line who controls the flow of the game. If a team is winning, the offensive line can control the line of scrimmage and get the running back the yardage he needs to keep the clock moving. If they are losing, the offensive line can still block well enough for running plays, yet still provide coverage for the passing plays to keep their team in the game.

Offensive lines are over looked on the stat sheet and by couch quarterbacks sitting in front of the television. All great quarterbacks and running backs will say they were helped along greatly in their careers by the offensive line. They owe their career and their records to the offensive lines that were guarding them.

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