Mailbag question: Moving the offensive line around

Mailbag question: Moving the offensive line around

Do you guys think changing the entire line or most of the line is the right thing to do or do you think we should have just replaced one position for one player?

What I mean is should they have just put Rocko Khoury in there and not move Moosman from right guard to center, Huyge from right tackle to right guard, and move Perry Dorrestein in at right tackle?

Would it have been better to bring in Khoury at center and leave Moosman at right guard, and leave Huyge at right tackle?

Thanks guys for all you do and letting you know that being a female your site has really helped me enjoy and understand football better. Keep it up.

Kim F.

------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the question and please keep reading.

This is a great question, but one that does not have a simple answer.

There are two basic philosophies regarding moving offensive linemen around.

1-Get the five top Linemen on the field, regardless of how they need be shuffled 9position changes). This is generally the philosophy with most zone teams. One of the benefits of zoning is all the positions have the same basic fundamentals and techniques, meaning that in theory the linemen should be able to shuffle positions and not have a negative effect.

2-The less personnel shuffling the better and simply plug the second team player into the position for the first team player that is hurt. Backers of this philosophy will argue that just filling in for the injured player helps maintain cohesion and timing in the line.

Another factor to consider is how long the injured player will be out. If the change is for one game we prefer to just insert a back up for the injured player. If it is going to be for four weeks or longer, we believe it is best to get the top five linemen on the field.

Neither is necessarily right or wrong, just different philosophies.

Thanks for stopping by Go Blue Michigan Wolverine
If you have any questions please E-Mail

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine