Question for fans who write about how good of a blocker a WR, TE, or OL is

Doug B said
I can't speak for everyone who comments, but consider that many members here have played high school football (and some even college ball). Even in high school football in the '80s, watching game film was (at least) a weekly task. And if your role was to block for others, you learned - at minimum - to evaluate film of yourself executing your blocking assignments. Fast forward thirty-something years ... you apply the same evaluations when watching the blocking of Saints players.

YouTube and social media (esp. Twitter) has made it a lot easier to get at least brief clips of meaningful game film - complete with downfield blocks, backside seals, guys releasing/moving to take a second man out after an initial good block at the snap, etc.. You're right that it's hard to see all the blocking assignments on a game broadcast. I know some people get their hands on All-22 film, and I think (not sure) there is a way to get that film online (Maybe a pay service or something? Or else be willing to wait a few months for it to come out free? Not sure.).

I agree with this. I played along the o-line in high school and I had to look at film each day and know my blocking assignments. It helped that I had a coach that was an expert in blocking techniques in our area . In college and pros, I am sure it is way more advanced and technical.

Because of that experience , even 30 something years later, I can spot techniques that some players do better than others. My friends are shocked when I can call a " holding penalty " on a lineman before the ref throws the flag.

The example of Trequan Smith being a good run blocker is correct. He is a big body receiver that can help block down field and open up the lane .

Andrus Peat, ( although very irritating with his constant injuries) is actually a pretty good run blocker and a so so pass blocker. He knows how to use his hands , which is partly why , at the time, he got that big contract extension.

Unfortunately his talent has seemed to drop off the last year or 2 and doesn't justify the amount they are paying him.

He needs to go after this year.