Cleveland Browns using power run to neutralize outside linebackers

Given all the schematic changes outlined above, the most important change was in personnel. One only need to see or read The Blindside by Michael Lewis (yes the same Michael Lewis who authored Moneyball) to see how the changes in the play of outside linebackers forced a change at  the left tackle position.

The offense had to answer Taylor by changing its personnel. The problem the offense faced was how to block a smaller, faster outside linebacker with running backs or big, slow offensive linemen. The answer: draft bigger, quicker and more athletic offensive linemen to block outside linebackers. This shift in personnel led, instead of running backs, to offensive linemen now blocking outside linebackers in pass protection.

Joe Thomas is the quintessential definition of the left tackle after the position evolved in order to protect the quarterback’s blindside.

To protect the blindside, a left tackle needs to be quick enough off the ball to beat the outside linebacker into position. Once position is gained, he must extend his arms to punch the defender off and maintain space. Maintaining space is the key to all pass protection because if you lose space, you lose the quarterback.

An offensive lineman cannot hold a block forever, however, so in addition to space the second key to pass protection is time. Pass routes take different amounts of time to develop. A streak or high low concept requires more time to develop than a curl/flat combination. The longer the route, the longer a lineman must hold a block. The longer a lineman has to hold a block, the higher the chance the quarterback gets hit.

But defenses always respond. If you cannot beat the left tackle, just rush the right tackle.

Next: The changing offensive line