Originally posted by Soaring Eagle
The point that an extra 15 pounds (of muscle) does not mean anything, all else being equal, in a violent collision fighting for an extra yard does not ring true to me. I've played RB and LB. And when hitting a guy straight up, it comes down to force equals mass times acceleration. A bigger guy accelerating to a tackle at the same speed applies more force than a smaller guy. One could see this in the 4th quarter of Sunday's game. Westbrook runs into a pile at the line He tries for an extra yard and gets nothing more because he's not big enough to fall forward carrying a defender on his back.
However, short yardage running in the NFL is not about measurables like speed and size, it's a frame of mind. You need a line that likes to push people around, a RB who knows how to lower his shoulder and keep pushing his legs until that whistle blows, and a coach that will establish the run.
This line loves to run block and that's good because they outweigh most defensive lines significantly.
Buckhalter and Moats have shown in the past that they can and will lower the shoulder and deliver a hit and fight for that extra yard.
The only thing that is in question is if we have a coach that is willin to establish the run. In the past he has (see 2003), but right now the passing game is clicking on all cylinders and he is going with what is working. However, I have a feeling that he is going to show more of a commitment to the run starting this week, especially if Westy's knee is feeling better.
After Bucky's fumbles, he is a question mark IMO.
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