NFL Tight End or Fullback: Will Lead Blockers Regain Their Value in Modern Game?

February 14, 2011   ·   Ben Lorimer   ·   Jump to comments

For most of the last decade, the position of full back has been slowly squeezed from the NFL.
As more and more emphasis is placed on the passing game, a position which revolves around blocking gets left by the wayside.
At the same time, the role of a receiving tight end in the mold of Tony Gonzalez or Kellen Winslow has exploded onto the scene. They are making highlight reels and stats lists; to the average Joe sports-watcher, seem to have a far greater effect on the outcome of a game than a mere run blocker.
The tides of change may be starting to lap at the edges of the NFL, spear headed by Rashard Mendenhall's comments at the start of the season regarding this. He stated a desire to play with a full back as his lead blocker rather than a tight end on the line and this has been justified by the success of Arian Foster, who consistently had Vonta Leach blocking in front of him.
One of the most popular run-heavy formations in the NFL at the moment is having a si...

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