They're just guards

When will NFL general managers and personnel people get the memo that states you don't pay guards or fullbacks big money -- no matter who they are.

When was the last time a guard or a fullback won a football game? Are they important pieces? They can be. But never pay either position big money.

In the past two years, the money for guards has been out of hand. Last year, Eric Steinbach (Browns), Leonard Davis (Cowboys), Kris Dielman (Chargers) and Derrick Dockery (Bills) all received deals that averaged $7 million a year. Now we get word that the Jets are close to a deal with former Steelers guard Alan Faneca that will pay him $8 million a season.

Faneca is 31 and on the slope side of his career. And he's worth $8 million? The Dolphins gave San Francisco guard Justin Smiley $5 million a year on a five-year deal.

Guys, they're guards. Why are you paying them so much money?

They're just guards

Guys, they're guards. Why are you paying them so much money?It's a fair question. But I'd say that the performance of the offensive unit starts on the line. This is a "glamour boy" QB or RB's bread and butter. The war is won in the trenches, and in the end, you're really only as good as your unit on the offensive line. If they're paid really well, so be it. It's good that the front offices for some teams realize the critical importance of the guards and tackles.

They're just guards

the guard is often the player who pulls 2 block so they naturally have 2 b more athletic than your average lineman a highly athletic guard allows you 2 run more plays on offense it opens up the trap strong toss counter n it even improves the zone blockin cause the guards usually r on linebackers who r much more elusive than their heavier teammates on the line

They're just guards

WOW... you are WAAAAAAAY off base here.

These guys are the foundation for every successful offense!

I agree about the fullback position. These guys are battering rams, and sadly the business of football makes them disposable and replaceable. But Guards?...."When was the last time a guard or a fullback won a football game? Are they important pieces?"...When was the last time a team made a serious run in the playoffs without one? There is a serious lack of depth in the league at the QB position, and these guys keep QBs alive. There is a lack of depth at RB and WR as well, but without solid linemen, neither of these positions can contribute anyway. If you look back over the history of the league, you will struggle to find a single championship team that did not get consistent high level performance from its O-line ( or D-line for that matter)

I think GMs have realized that these guys are the key to having a winning season. I think the league needs to stop over paying the "skill positions" and spend their money on a guy that can play for your team for 7-9 yrs instead of giving huge contracts to rookie RB's, WRs, and especially QBs that can go busto and wreck your franchise without ever providing any value at all.

ALP Reputation: 93 Level: All-Star Since: Sep 13, 2007	Posted on: March 1, 2008 8:51 pm Score: 95 They're just guards exactly...and they are 1/5th of a whole unit.... its ridiculous how these bidding wars go....oww [ Reply to Comment ]
coachbill4pres Reputation: 96 Level: Superstar Since: Dec 20, 2006	Posted on: March 1, 2008 9:00 pm Score: 95 They're just guards Guys, they're guards. Why are you paying them so much money?It's a fair question. But I'd say that the performance of the offensive unit starts on the line. This is a "glamour boy" QB or RB's bread and butter. The war is won in the trenches, and in the end, you're really only as good as your unit on the offensive line. If they're paid really well, so be it. It's good that the front offices for some teams realize the critical importance of the guards and tackles. [ Reply to Comment ]
pack_fan55 Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: May 21, 2007	Posted on: March 1, 2008 9:11 pm Score: 92 They're just guards the guard is often the player who pulls 2 block so they naturally have 2 b more athletic than your average lineman a highly athletic guard allows you 2 run more plays on offense it opens up the trap strong toss counter n it even improves the zone blockin cause the guards usually r on linebackers who r much more elusive than their heavier teammates on the line [ Reply to Comment ]
sea_fan8 Reputation: 98 Level: Superstar Since: Sep 10, 2006	Posted on: March 2, 2008 1:20 am Score: 93 They're just guards Look at what happened to Seattle after Hutchinson left, they went from having Shaun Alexander run for nearly 1900 yards and 28 TD's to.. yeah.. [ Reply to Comment ]
King Yertle Reputation: 39 Level: Rookie Since: Oct 16, 2008	Posted on: October 16, 2008 12:03 pm Score: 35 They're just guards WOW... you are WAAAAAAAY off base here. These guys are the foundation for every successful offense! I agree about the fullback position. These guys are battering rams, and sadly the business of football makes them disposable and replaceable. But Guards?...."When was the last time a guard or a fullback won a football game? Are they important pieces?"...When was the last time a team made a serious run in the playoffs without one? There is a serious lack of depth in the league at the QB position, and these guys keep QBs alive. There is a lack of depth at RB and WR as well, but without solid linemen, neither of these positions can contribute anyway. If you look back over the history of the league, you will struggle to find a single championship team that did not get consistent high level performance from its O-line ( or D-line for that matter) I think GMs have realized that these guys are the key to having a winning season. I think the league needs to stop over paying the "skill positions" and spend their money on a guy that can play for your team for 7-9 yrs instead of giving huge contracts to rookie RB's, WRs, and especially QBs that can go busto and wreck your franchise without ever providing any value at all. [ Reply to Comment ]

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