Is the NFL going to get slimmer? (1 Viewer)

[Csonka4life]

I read an ESPN article online where they stated the best defensive ends are skinny(relatively)260 pounders with linebacker speed. Will Offensive tackles have to lose some size to blunt the rush ends?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I read an ESPN article online where they stated the best defensive ends are skinny(relatively)260 pounders with linebacker speed. Will Offensive tackles have to lose some size to blunt the rush ends?

Nice use of the word "blunt." That's my only contribution here.

 

[trader jake]

If the "lighter" teams have success...then yes. The team that stresses speed more than any other vs. size on defense is the Indianapolis Colts. So I would say that teams, as a whole, will not be "slimming down" any time soon.

 

[JohnnyU]

DE's still need to be able to stop the run even though they are judged by how well they rush the passer. A good example of an over hyped DE is Dwight Freeney (poster boy for skinny and fast DEs) for the Colts. He's more of a liability because teams can just run right at him and he's helpless. Hell, he's not even getting sacks this year.

 

[thayman]

DE's still need to be able to stop the run even though they are judged by how well they rush the passer. A good example of an over hyped DE is Dwight Freeney (poster boy for skinny and fast DEs) for the Colts. He's more of a liability because teams can just run right at him and he's helpless. Hell, he's not even getting sacks this year.

you just put a few big boys in the O-Line and a team will rush all day on a small quick D-Line. Look at that worst rush defenses in the league, for the most part they are all light fast D-Lines

 

[Jous]

I don't think the NFL is going to "slim down" and I think the teams who are trying to do so are making a big mistake. When it comes to the run game, speed isn't nearly as important a factor as the initial jump on the ball, reaction quickness. That makes the difference. Now, when it comes to pass protection, then yes, lighter, faster d-lines will have an advantage (usually) against bigger, slower offensive lines. This is why the Colts have such a good pass rush, and this is also why their run defense has for the most part been terrible for years now.

And any defensive coach will tell you, if they had the choice of a good pass rush and a bad rush defense or an average pass rush and a good rush defense, they'll take choice B everytime.