Larry Felser’s commentary raises an interesting issue on the ability of the modern-day quarterback and their offense to produce against the athletic multitude of schemes on the defensive side of the ball.

Larry’s suggestion to limit the defenders’ ability to rush the quarterback misses the crux of the problem for an offense. All defenders have the ability to mix, match, overpower and the use of speed to rush a quarterback. Now we have defensive lineman dropping in zone coverage with a corner blitz. The offense is handicapped without the same versatility. On a pass play, an offensive lineman cannot cross the line of scrimmage nor catch a pass without penalty. I am suggesting the NFL remove these penalties to neutralize the defensive advantage. OK, I know the reaction, a check down 1-yard pass to a 350-pound center sounds comical, but 30 years ago, so was the thought of defensive lineman intercepting a pass in zone coverage.

Offensive lineman may evolve in the way the defense was revolutionized by Lawrence Taylor, athletic, quick feet, ability to catch a football, and an additional offensive weapon against the multitude of blitzes. It is also about awarding the offense the same multitude of weapons the defense has.

Edmund Golach

North Tonawanda