Posts tagged Reggie White

Jokers

0 Comments read Players
It might not be obvious, but Reggie White's role on the defensive line was the football equivalent of slang. Photo by Keith Fujimoto.

One of the pervading themes in this blog has been discussion of  the hybridization of football players:

  • The zone blitz and the evolution of the 3-4 linebacker/defensive end ‘tweener capable of dropping into coverage and sticking his hand in the ground and rushing off the edge.
  • The safety/cornerback capable of covering slot receivers and supporting the run.
  • The tight end/wide receiver capable of playing at the line of scrimmage and  split from the formation.

When I asked my colleagues about a significant trend in the sport, hybridization was the first thing on their mental checklist.

Although hybridization might be a trend, history shows it’s not new. Continue reading →

Greg Cosell Part III: The All-Timer Game

0 Comments read Matt Waldman
Who would you rather have Larry Fitzgerald or Michael Irvin? NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell is forced to pick among greats past and present. Photo by Photogeek21.

I’m a kid in a candy store this week. I get to share with you my conversations with NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell. One of the few people who not only has access to coaching tape, but also a guy who can call up a coach and talk shop. In Part I of our phone conversation from Cosell’s office at NFL Films headquarters in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, Cosell allowed me to toss what seemed like an endlessly random array of player names for him to give his takes. In Part II, Cosell participates in a more standard Q&A. In Part III, he agrees once again to indulge my inner football child.

Waldman: Let’s play another game. I name two players Continue reading →