Some reasons why the Bills don't need a tackle

Many Buffalo Bills fans are concerned about the offensive line after last season’s performance by the group, especially the play of left tackle Demetrius Bell.

However, there are several reason why the Bills would be fine with Bell in 2010.

When a defensive lineman is disrupting a play consistently on running plays the coaches will use double teams, which are commonly referred to combination blocks, to neutralize a defensive lineman.

For those of you who don’t know what I am talking about it is this.

When the ball is snapped instead of two offensive lineman go to block a defensive lineman.

After a second or two one offensive lineman releases to go block a linebacker.

Which offensive lineman releases from the block usually depends on which side the linebacker is going to as they are moving to try and tackle the ball carrier.

Usually, on a running play this is executed by a center and a guard or a guard and tackle.

This technique also applies to the passing game, but in this case it is just not limited to offensive lineman.

On passing plays offensive lineman help out blocking another defender after they make sure they don’t have a blitzing linebacker or a defensive lineman coming around on a twist stunt to block.

On passing plays tight ends, running backs, and fullbacks are used to help out a struggling offensive tackle.

The way it works is that the tight end will be lined up next to the offensive tackle that is struggling and when the ball is snapped he will give a quick hit to the defensive end before he goes out into a pass pattern.

In regards to running backs coaches will have a running back lined up not directly behind the quarterback, but usually lined up behind the guard or tackle and give a quick hit to the defensive end before he goes out into a pattern.

Another way to neutralize defensive lineman in the passing game is play action passes as when this properly executed in a play it will draw in defensive lineman and linebackers, thus giving the quarterback an extra second or two.

Also, there is the three step drop game as these passes are executed so quick that defensive lineman cannot usually get even near a quarterback.

Finally, there is having a franchise quarterback as these quarterbacks know before the football is snapped where they are throwing the football.

In the end as the saying goes there is more than one way to skin a cat.