Wolf
100% Texan
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/583448.html
Pro footballs Big Uglies have become Glamour Boys.
Left tackle, regarded as an important but anonymous position in the NFLs pre-salary-cap era, is now recognized as one of the four cornerstone positions in the game along with quarterback, cover cornerback and pass-rushing defensive end.
Elite offensive tackles are now among the games highest-paid players, and as many as six could go in the first round of the NFL draft on April 26.
The thing about left tackle is that it is a must position in this league, Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. Youve got to protect your quarterback; youve got to protect your franchise, so to speak. And those guys are hard hard to find. I mean, they dont fall off of trees. You dont make one. Theyre a special breed.
Chiefs coach Herm Edwards, whose teams most pressing needs begin with finding protection for the quarterback, goes one step further in describing left tackles.
Theyre rock stars because of the way the game has changed, Edwards said. There is so much emphasis now on throwing the ball, and the emphasis on the speed pass rusher to score, you have to throw.
Indeed. Last year, NFL teams combined for 428.6 passing yards per game, the highest figure since 1995 (441.6), and teams combined to average 43.4 points per game, the most since 1983 (43.7).