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Actual football question, offensive line rotation.

Posted on 11/21/17 at 11:20 am
Posted by BamaFinland
Espoo, Finland
Member since Oct 2015
2587 posts
Posted on 11/21/17 at 11:20 am
So I see that defenses are constantly rotating the big boys in and out because they get tired. Does the same not hold true for the O-line? Is continuity or momentum the issue? Are the offensive lineman exerting less energy than the defensive lineman?
Posted by deeprig9
Unincorporated Ozora, Georgia
Member since Sep 2012
64382 posts
Posted on 11/21/17 at 11:51 am to
OL works more closely together in coordination, as more of a unit, than the DL. You don't necessarily want to break up the band just to get a slightly fresher guy in there.
Posted by meansonny
ATL
Member since Sep 2012
25953 posts
Posted on 11/21/17 at 11:53 am to
Definitely there is less energy involved as linemen aren't chasing linebackers and defensive backs to block them 50 yards away from the snap (30-40 yards downfield) unless it is a screen.
Posted by DivStig88
Member since Sep 2017
189 posts
Posted on 11/21/17 at 12:15 pm to
Often times, you will see d-linemen fake a rush, and drop back in pass coverage. That combined with constant lateral pursuit means much more running for d-linemen than o-linemen.
Posted by Tickytiger
Auburn, AL
Member since Sep 2015
1271 posts
Posted on 11/21/17 at 12:15 pm to
Insightful question. A rarity on this forum.
Posted by Tuscaloosa
11x Award Winning SECRant user
Member since Dec 2011
46763 posts
Posted on 11/21/17 at 12:37 pm to
Continuity is definitely the biggest part of it, IMO, because of how important communication is. OL relies on combination blocks, switching assignments based on where defenders are lined up, and what your RBs are doing in pass protection, among other things. That’s one of the biggest reasons why you don’t see OL swapping in and out like DL do. OL are generally using less energy, too. DL are essentially in a full speed sprint on every play at some point.
Posted by StringedInstruments
Member since Oct 2013
18511 posts
Posted on 11/21/17 at 12:48 pm to
Good answers so far. Just want to chime in and say that I played running back, defensive end, linebacker, and right guard on the o line between 7th and 12th grade. I never had more fun than when I got to be the fat kid on the offensive line.
Posted by Master of Sinanju
Member since Feb 2012
11372 posts
Posted on 11/21/17 at 12:57 pm to
Fatigue impacts the positions differently also. A gassed ol can still block effectively, but a tired dl is nowhere near the threat a fresh one is.
Posted by Che Boludo
Member since May 2009
18274 posts
Posted on 11/21/17 at 1:13 pm to
I think its all been about covered. Two thoughts I agree with most:
-cohesion on the OL needs continuity and trust that comes from reps playing together. OL is a unit that must play in unison to be effective. Plug and play would be disruptive.
-offense always have the advantage as they know where the play is going, using less energy than the Ds who are in reaction/disruption mode.
Posted by DingLeeBerry
Member since Oct 2014
10906 posts
Posted on 11/21/17 at 1:20 pm to
Like somebody said, on a pass play a defensive lineman is basically in a sprint against 300+ lbs of resistance. Offensive lineman can't go downfield on passes, but defensive linemen are trying to get up the field then will chase after the pass, particularly against these dink and dunk pass attacks.

On run plays, they are often getting double teamed or if not for the full play for the initial part of the play (or trying to tie up more than one blocker) so trying to fight through 600+ lbs at that point.
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