Defensive Tackle

​In painting, there is brush, roller, spray, and spackle,
There are many positions in football--I played defensive tackle.

It usually is a not noticed position, toiling in anonymity,
One thing is perfectly clear--"who is your opponent, your enemy?"

He's the guy in the wrong colored shirt, told what to do,
Offensive linemen are big and strong: if they were any bigger, they would moo.
They get their assignments in the huddle, then waddle up and crouch,
They look sleepy and fully capable of sleeping on the couch.

But, they are about to explode and maybe come right at you,
If you can shed their blocks every time, you're one of the few.

In just a second after the ball is snapped, they want to get the angle on you,
If you can predict their plans, they might win once, but not two.

The other possibility is that the other team will pass, then the linemen protect the QB,
The wide receivers fly downfield and guys in the backfield block or flee.
Defensive linemen only go forward or run laterally along the line of scrimmage,
It's best to tackle down low..a roving tackle makes a great image.
​
One last thing- try to get the ball carrier before he gets loose and running hard,
If ball carriers get a head of steam, they run like the Juice, leaving the yard.
I remember Sayers, if he got cornered, he would go down easy,
Payton, on the other hand, still let you have it, leaving you queasy.

Dave Hale  Ottawa, Ks