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Which Position is the Most Valuable to a Team?

What's the most important position on the field in this newly evolved NFL?

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The NFL no longer is a defensive battle, it’s a game of “who can score as many points as possible”, and, if we’ve learned anything these past few years, it’s that the QB is the most important position on the field. But who’s the next most important player? Which position is really the make or break of the team? The answer might actually surprise you…

The coach. Now I know, “but the coach isn’t a player or a position, boohoo”, but hear me out. The coach is the make or break person on the team. As we approach a more pass-heavy league, the easiest and most efficient way to win is with scheme. No longer do you need a 5 man group of bulldozers on the offensive line, or a finesse style running back that’ll shake defenders out of their socks, or even a blazing fast, sure-handed receiver (although it does help to have any one of these). All you need in this league is a guy with a half decent accuracy, an offensive line that can somewhat block, some targets that can create separation, and most importantly, a coach that can build a scheme around the pieces he has.


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Time and time again have we seen scheme become the deciding factor in games and even be the root of massive turnarounds midseason. Although it pains me to say this about my team, the Ravens went 6-1 to close out the season with basically a receiver throwing the ball (Lamar Jackson). Jackson clearly doesn’t have half the arm talent of the competitive QBs in this league, but was able to will an offense with a scheme built around a quick pass and run-heavy offense (just what the Ravens were fit to do). Gimmicky run plays, run-pass options, and quick passes made the Ravens playoff contenders after starting out 4-5. But don’t take my word for it, just look at the Buccaneers, the third most efficient offense in the NFL (over teams such as Pittsburgh, New England, and New Orleans). An offense manned by Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jameis Winston (not to mention 3 no name running backs). Thus, as the saying goes, “even strength must bow down to brain.”

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Not only is scheme at the forefront of today’s high flying offenses, but some of the league’s most formidable defenses are backed by the mind to match the muscle. Take a look at the Ravens, a team with one 2nd team All-Pro player (CJ Mosely) that is staffed by a bunch of stout, yet unremarkable players. Despite their lack of star power, they are the #1 team in total yards allowed and #1 in total points allowed. How is it possible that such a defense comprised of unremarkable players is so formidable and able to choke down on opposing teams? Scheme my friends is the answer. Now, look at the flip side of this with the LA Rams, a defense packed to the brim with star power in Ndamukong Suh, Aaron Donald, Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters, etc. The Rams, although possessing some of the most skilled defensive players in the league, are ranked 20th in scored (giving up 24 points per game), 23rd against the run and 14th against the pass. It’s clear that no amount of talent can cover for the lack of coaching.


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Although scheme can be an enormous advantage (or disadvantage, just look at the Packers), it will eventually be figured out. All offensive and defensive strategies are defendable in one way or another. Which is why new play-calling genius is a must have in today’s NFL (it’s no wonder the top teams have the best coaching minds behind them, regularly formulating new game plans; think Sean Payton and Andy Reid).  Next time your team is in the market for a new coach, it may be more imperative to your team than you think.

Do you agree or disagree with this point of view? Leave a comment and let's discuss/debate!

DISCLAIMER: I AM IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH THE NFL AND NEITHER DO I OWN ANY OF THE IMAGES OR VIDEOS.

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