Russell Adams explains Five Big Reasons Why Teams Win:
In the past offseason, teams spent more money on average in bonuses (about $2 million per player) for offensive tackles, the men who protect the quarterback from the defense’s most dangerous pass rushers, than on any other position besides quarterback.In 2001, players at almost every other position on the field were getting higher average bonuses than offensive linemen; this year, linemen (offensive tackles, guards and centers) rate fourth overall in average bonus money.
Broader changes in the NFL are behind this new premium on the big lugs on the line. Teams are throwing the ball more than ever — 10 teams are calling for passes on more than 60% of their plays this year — so glamour-boy quarterbacks are spending more time standing and looking for an open receiver while large, angry men try to tackle them. Those angry men on defense are getting faster, too, as coaches are increasingly favoring speed over size in defenders. As defenders rush from unexpected parts of the field in more complex blitz schemes, it’s largely up to the offensive linemen to block them.
At a time when virtually every athletic endeavor is evaluated using statistics, concocting a recipe for an effective offensive line remains a highly subjective science. Two common traits link the top blocking units: Quick feet and brains. (Yes, brains. Forget the stereotypes.) A long pair of arms also helps to keep defenders at a distance; scouts and general managers now put a premium on offensive linemen with arms at least 35 inches long.