The Lost Art of Tackling

Interesting article that is timely for 49ers fans given the struggles by the defense on basic tackling. The article includes a lot of discussion about Patrick Willis and Mike Singletary's nutcracker drill. Enjoy.

about 2 years ago David Fucillo 8 comments 0 recs |

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Famous John McKay quote:

“We didn’t tackle well today but we made up for it by not blocking.”

Well, we're waiting....

by drummer on Dec 9, 2009 2:25 PM PST reply actions

He has too many funny quotes

And coached too many awful T.B. teams.

by bignerd on Dec 9, 2009 4:03 PM PST up reply actions

I’ve heard Steve Young suggest that wrap tackles have been falling out of favor in part because they’re harder on the body and leave you more susceptible to certain career shortening injuries (presumably shoulder and elbow problems).

I don’t take his word for it exactly, but it makes some degree of sense and I certainly respect the reasoning. if a guy can be more valuable in the long term (and at the same time help himself) by prolonging his career by tackling differently, I don’t really hold that against him in any way.

I don’t doubt that there’s a lot more to it than that, but if it plays any kind of a role in the evolution of the modern tackle, I at least respect it.

I don't know about that, to the groin.

by howtheyscored on Dec 9, 2009 3:06 PM PST reply actions

I would rather

Have a great player for 5 years, than an average player for 10.

I was "Deific16"
The cake is a lie.

by Sultan of Seitan on Dec 9, 2009 6:32 PM PST up reply actions

It’s not necessarily the difference between a great player and an average player, though. The difference could very well be between a great player and a great player with three or four fewer tackles for the year.

I don't know about that, to the groin.

by howtheyscored on Dec 9, 2009 6:50 PM PST up reply actions

True,

But how many of those missed tackles would result in game changing TD’s?

I was "Deific16"
The cake is a lie.

by Sultan of Seitan on Dec 9, 2009 9:05 PM PST up reply actions

I don't agree

Not much of a case but I don’t think the article makes much of a case either. Seemed like one of those " . . . ain’t what it used to be" cliches.

I haven’t noticed worse tackling. A difference in tackling technique because offenses spread the field more but not worse tackling. In fact, I see more missed tackles watching old tapes than I do watching games on Sunday.

Now, defenders angles toward an open field runner have gotten worse . . . cough . . .cough . . . 49ers.

by bignerd on Dec 9, 2009 4:11 PM PST reply actions

Evolution of the RB

I remember Barry Sanders’ arrival and how it baffled so many sure tacklers. Seems like there were 2 types of backs before he arrived…the sweeping back, ala Marcus Allen- and the DownHill runner, ala Herchel Walker. Guys knew how to approach a sweeping back or a DH guy, but how do you bring down Barry Sanders?
Then you start seeing guys like LT and Reggie Bush bust on the scene as students of Sanders…evolving his style.
I love how the article touches on PW being so sure a tackler as a product of study+practice. Combined with his unreal speed, we’re fortunate to watch the new breed of linebacker that will be needed to defend the evolution of running backs in the league today. Speed + Technique, with a necessary touch of intelligence.

by t p on Dec 9, 2009 5:43 PM PST reply actions