[Mid-depth_Reporter]

How do you make an NFL team better almost instantly? What position, or core players of certain positions make a team better the most on the offensive side of the ball and the defensive side of the ball? Out of QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, DB, K, P, ST; I would have to say that the OL and the DL make the biggest impact.

The battle in the trenches is what makes the rest of the core better. If you have a good offensive line, the QB has more time to throw, the running back more holes to hit and the wide receivers have more time to run routes.

The same goes for defense. If the defensive line can stuff the run, or rush the pass, it forces the other team to rush a pass, or fail to find running room. It also strengthens the linebackers and allows the cornerbacks to keep tabs on receivers for a lesser amount of time.

So, I say the lines. What about everyone else?

[BigBadBuc]

Special Teams Coach

BBB

[BigBadBuc]

Mid-Depth,

You nailed it with the o-line and d-line. There is no where else to go. I can't imagine a backfield or a corp of linebackers having any success with out the guys in the trenches.

BBB

[Lefty Noob]

You took the words right out of my mouth, MDR. You've got to win the battle in the trenches. Protect your QB while putting pressure on theirs. Open up throwing and running lanes while stuffing theirs. That's where it all stars, and if you lose those battles, you'll more often than not lose the game.

[Who Dey]

There have been plenty of both Offensive an Defensive lineman that have been overpaid and therefore the cause of an inept football team. Notably at the Tackle position. Warren Sapp comes to mind.

The truth is you can't draft an offensive line or gain it in free agency, you must select offensive lineman and hope over time it develops into a productive unit.

If teams could draft an entire offensive line, or defensive line that has been proven to be a productive and cohesive unit then you would not see as many QB's taken with the first overall pick.

The QB touches the ball on 99.99% of every plays. It's why Randel El, Hines Ward, and Vick were all quarterbacks. They were simply the best football players on thier respective teams and therefore were put in a postion to touch the football on every play.

If you are looking for one postion that can make the most immediate difference on your team you are looking to the quarterback position. A good quarterback, with a strong arm, a strong mind, and the talent to make quick decisions in tight situations opens up your offense ten-fold.

How many times have you watched a game where you questioned "hey, why didn't the coach call a fade down the side line, or a deep seam to the tight end?" in a certain situation. In many cases it is likely because it was throw the quarterback did not feel comfortable making.

On rare occasions teams win a championship in the NFL without a good quarterback. Above and beyond solid defense is required along with a productive running game, and most importantly of all NO TURNOVERS. With a less than average quarterback turnovers become much more likely.

Yes, if you are looking to one unit, a strong argument can be made for the front four on defense or the entire offensive line. However, if you are hoping one player can help turn things around, look to build around a talented young quarterback.

[ThePundit]

Ditto: The Lines are most important. But don't underestimate the importance of special teams. More games are won and lost on special teams than you think.

[cjg11582]

I am going to have to disagree, at least on the defensive side of the ball. think the scondary trumps the defensive line, if for no other reason than quality players at the safety and cornerback positions are harder to find than effective D-lineman. A great safety (Ed Reed, Sean Taylor etc) can change the course of a game and make a quarterback hesitant to throw to a certain side of the field. A shutdown corner is necessary so when you play a Randy Moss, Marvin Harrison or a receiver of that caliber then the defense doesn't have to focus an inordinante amount of attention on one player. It also frees up the linebackers to focus on the run. Defensive lineman, while necessary and integral to the team, are easily replaceable.

in order of importance:
QB - makes or breaks the team, even if you don't rely heavily on his passing (which most teams do) then you need someone who takes care of the ball and is a good leader
LT - protects the blind side of the quarterback (assuming he's right handed) which lets the QB make his reads and throws without worrying about his rear, also is heavily involved in the rushing attack, key to the offensive line (examples of importance: Rams and Giants had skids this year that coincided perfectly with losing their starting LTs, the Jets catapulted into the playoffs after drafting the best LT in last years class in D'Brickashaw Ferguson, the Raiders are still horrid after drafting a terrible bust at LT in Robert Gallery 3 years ago)
DE - puts pressure on opposing QB and forces errors (interceptions, fumbles, etc.), disrupts opposing offenses and makes the rest of the defense's jobs easier, the best are also good in run control (examples of importance: this years superbowl teams, the bears and the colts, featured 2 of the most feared DE tandems in the NFL today)
CB - stops the big offensive plays, hopefully creates big defensive plays as well, the best CBs can take away the best offensive weapon on most teams as well (see Champ Bailey or Nate Clements this year shutting down top play-makers like Marvin Harrison or Randy Moss)