Let's Talk Levi Jones and Offensive Line

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

Uhhhh, I beg to differ. They might put that extra ounce of effort in because 1) they don't like a guy 2) you want to make the new guy have a bit of an easier job or 3) because those guys are getting more carries in practice

If you think that players around other players don't make some guys try harder.. and that nobody takes plays or even games off, you might as well just hang up your cleats as an internet analyst.

Agreed. Natural talent only determines a baseline. Factors like motivation, situation, and comradery can help determine weather players play above that baseline or below it. For example pressure can make players play worse then they really are. Desire to play hard for a coach or desire to protect a QB can give players more energy and increase focus, by the same token powerful emotions can also diminish focus and prompt more mistakes then a player who "stays medium." In the end what matters most here is how a particular player deals with emotions.

A book could easily be written on the subject, but in short it isn't inconcievable that lineman can play harder, and consquesntly better, when they respect the guy they're blocking for.