A crazy question about the oline

[5Stars]

This is not a personnel question about who is playing, but a question about names.

We know that the Center is called the Center because he is in the center of the oline.

We know that Guards are called guards because they guard the opposition from getting to the QB along with opening up running lanes, etc.

But, why do that call Tackles tackles? I mean, they don't tackle anyone, that is not their job. So, how did the NFL or football in general come up with that moniker?


I have asked this question many times and I can't ever seem to get an answer.

 

[5Stars]

I guess nobody knows the answer to the question.

 

[Luther]

I guess nobody knows the answer to the question.

Don't know, but I suspect something along these lines:
In the early days of football defensive linemen were called tackles, since they did tackling. Since they played both offense and defense, they were still called tackles on offense. Eventually the interior offensive linemen were called guards, and the outside defensive linemen were called ends. That left outside offensive linemen, and interior defensive linemen still being called tackles.

 

[5Stars]

Don't know, but I suspect something along these lines:
In the early days of football defensive linemen were called tackles, since they did tackling. Since they played both offense and defense, they were still called tackles on offense. Eventually the interior offensive linemen were called guards, and the outside defensive linemen were called ends. That left outside offensive linemen, and interior defensive linemen still being called tackles.

Hmm...that is the best answer that I have ever had from that question. It does make sense. Thanks...

 

[JoeyBoy718]

I guess it would be more practical for the O-line to be Offensive Ends, Offensive Guards, and Offensive Center, and for the D-line to be Defensive Tackles. But then there would be no name for the edge rushers.

On another note, I don't really get the (insert coin value) back thing. The quarterback throws the ball. The nickelback and dimeback plays in the secondary. The halfback and fullback runs the ball.

 

[5Stars]

I guess it would be more practical for the O-line to be Offensive Ends, Offensive Guards, and Offensive Center, and for the D-line to be Defensive Tackles. But then there would be no name for the edge rushers.

On another note, I don't really get the (insert coin value) back thing. The quarterback throws the ball. The nickelback and dimeback plays in the secondary. The halfback and fullback runs the ball.

And, just to think, Jerry has to deal with all that!



(stupid cowboy fans)