A question about X's and O's...

[TOOMBS]

Hey guys!

I was having a debate with someone from work the other day in regards to which is more difficult for the offensive line; run blocking or pass blocking?

1. Does pass or run blocking involve more athletic ability (individually)?

2. Does pass or run blocking involve more time for an offensive line as a whole to gel?




This debate was specifically regarding the Cowboys offensive line, and my position was.......

1. Pass blocking involves more strength and run blocking involves more speed (seems like common sense).

2. I argued that it takes a line as a whole more time to gel as a run blocking unit rather than a pass blocking unit (which is more 1v1 matchups). I argued that run blocking takes more playbook study to understand.

Would love some input from someone experienced as a O'lineman or coaching or just really knowledgable about X's and O's. Hopefully this isn't too stupid of a question.

 

[theogt]

1. They both require different athletic abilities. Pass blocking requiring more agility and run blocking requiring strength.

2. I would say run blocking depending on the scheme. Pass blocking is typically just stand up and don't let anyone past you.

 

[Maxmadden]

Run blocking is proactive while pass blocking is reactive. Not sure about the required skill set needed to be good at either. I would guess finesse pass and power run.

 

[Mansta54]

1. They both require different athletic abilities. Pass blocking requiring more agility and run blocking requiring strength.

2. I would say run blocking depending on the scheme. Pass blocking is typically just stand up and don't let anyone past you.

Unless you're pulling....

 

[Cochese]

Run blocking is more agressive and if you have an OL that is worth a damn, he loves to get a chance to smack a linebacker in the teeth. I dont think its really about speed, its about putting a hard hit on your player and keeping him from getting near the ball carrier.

Pass blocking is passive and requires some agility, but no where near what is required in pulling which is probably the hardest thing for a lineman to do well.

 

[TheKey]

I would say pass blocking requires more athletic ability, which is why your tackles are the most agile and athletic. Run blocking is for the big brutes who just maul you (ex. LA). They both take time but I would say run blocking takes more time to gel.