Right Tackle vs. Left Tackle According To Eric Winston

So my friend has finally won out, this blog will be about the differences between Right Tackle and Left Tackle.  It’s probably good that I am talking about this topic because there are many common misconceptions about the position.  I’m not sure how to do this so I will answer typical statements I hear.   

Left Tackles are more athletic.
For the most part, yes.  Left Tackles are commonly your more athletic, less physical former basketball player or all-around athlete.  Right Tackles might not be as athletic but they are more physical, tougher players.  Right Tackles are asked to “open up” holes by moving the defensive player while Left Tackles “cover” their guy up by getting in front of the defender but don’t get as much movement.

Right Tackles are the better run blockers because teams are right handed and run right more than left.
Again, for the most part, yes.  I don’t have the exact numbers but I’m pretty sure we ran right more than left last year.  However, in our zone scheme the play side can be the backside quite a few times because of so many cutbacks the back is offered by good cutoff blocks on the backside. 

Right Tackles don’t have to be as good at pass blocking because they get more help than the left tackle.
Absolutely wrong.  The only time this is true is during most play-action passes, especially when the tight end is next to the Right Tackle.  Think about it, if a team runs right more, then a team is going to play action to that side as well, therefore the tight end does stay in and block some of those times.  To me, one of the hardest blocks to make is when you are to the open side (no TE next to you) and the play-action fake is coming your way.  Think about selling out at a defensive end on a play-action pass hoping that he reads it as run and doesn’t blow by you up the field.  It is a block that takes a ton of practice and self confidence.  An old vet used to tell me, “if you believe, he’ll believe” and he was exactly right.  (Thanks Ephraim.)  Generally speaking, the backside of the play-action pass is harder, giving the Left Tackle the most stress.

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(ericwinston73.com)