This will be a multi-part series covering several areas of offensive line play in 2017; predictions on the five best OL units, top 3 OL at each position based on tape study, surprise OL unit, top backup OL, and a Q&A session with Chiefs RT Mitchell Schwartz – covering different aspects of his career and…
Offensive linemen are often the most overlooked and yet important position group on the football field. The general public typically notices offensive line play only when there is a glaring mistake or a big-time block. But offenses don’t succeed in spite of offensive lines, they succeed because of them. With that in mind and the…
A screen play usually includes three offensive linemen pass blocking for a couple of seconds before releasing to block downfield for a receiver or running back. The objective of the screen is to get a convoy of mean, moving mass in front of the ball carrier. When called at the right time and executed correctly,…
Every year, storylines come and go during the course of an NFL season. Whether it is strong offensive line play, a breakout receiver, or a rookie stealing the spotlight, you can count on the NFL to entertain. Brandon Thorn breaks down the Week 5 storylines below in his scouting notebook. Entering this season my Twitter account…
For well over a decade, the NFL has placed more and more emphasis on the passing game. With this emphasis has come an increased importance on protecting quarterbacks, especially their blindsides. Dave Archibald discusses the offensive line value that can be found when teams veer from the accepted practice of investing disproportionately at left tackle. Michael Oher…
The 2016 NFL season begins now, with 32 teams scheming to knock off the reigning champion Denver Broncos. The NFL Draft is just around the corner, but the first step in any offseason plan is to assess a team’s needs. Here we look at what the Oakland Raiders team needs are. These reports were compiled with…
Brandon Thorn, from The Football Educator, and Duke Manyweather guest write on Inside the Pylon to release their 2015 All-Underrated Offensive Line Team and to hand out awards for excellent blocks executed this season. Offensive linemen are the most overlooked and important position group on the football field. The general public typically notices offensive line play…
Few plays make more of a difference in winning and losing than a turnover resulting in a score: a strip-sack, a giveaway that shifts momentum, or a pick-six in overtime. Dave Archibald looks at a fourth-quarter interception by Kansas City in the Chiefs comeback win over the Oakland Raiders. After Week 6, the Chiefs were 1-5 and…
The NFL drive of Week 3 came just before halftime as the Cleveland Browns hosted Oakland Raiders. Already leading, the choice of how aggressive to be would come after a first down running play to start the clock. Mark Schofield details how timely execution led to the Raiders punching one in. The Browns cut the Raiders…
With the regular season around the corner, Inside The Pylon reached out to former NFL scout and current Scouting Academy director Dan Hatman for a cheat sheet on who the pros are keeping an eye on – and who may be in danger of losing their job. Here, he identifies which AFC West players to watch in 2015. Denver…