Left Tackles vs Bull Edge Rushers

[Stryker44]

How is it that left tackles who are usually between 300-320 lbs with 6-8 percent body fat get pushed back routinely by elite 240-260 lb edge rushers when they bull rush the QB? Shouldn't the weight and strength difference enable the left tackle to easily push the bullrusher out of the way or throw them down?

 

[joseephuss]

It comes down to leverage. A smaller guy can get leverage on a bigger guy. Also, the pass rusher is moving forward while the tackle is usually moving backwards or laterally. This can cause the tackle to lose balance or form and give up leverage. If the tackle does win the leverage battle then they can and often do push the bullrusher out of the way, throw them to the ground or just keep them in one spot.

 

[theogt]

It comes down to leverage. A smaller guy can get leverage on a bigger guy. Also, the pass rusher is moving forward while the tackle is usually moving backwards or laterally. This can cause the tackle to lose balance or form and give up leverage. If the tackle does win the leverage battle then they can and often do push the bullrusher out of the way, throw them to the ground or just keep them in one spot.

I'd only add that part of the reason they're moving backwards and have the disadvantage on leverage is that they don't necessarily know which direction, or who, they're blocking. If you lined up a top LT and a top DE and simply said, see who can push the other further, obviously the top LT would win nearly every single battle.