Chapter 5, Death of a Lineman Summary and Analysis

The author explains how the game of professional football has evolved over the last forty years. A game once centered on the running game is now more heavily weighted toward a strong passing attack. Bill Walsh, a former NFL coach is an assistant coach in the 1970s when he realizes that he must develop a strategy to protect his quarterback from powerful pass rushers coming from the player's blind side. Lewis describes the criticism Walsh receives early in his career from experts who disagree with this theory. When Walsh shows a real talent for turning marginal quarterbacks into passing sensations, coaches around the league start to watch him more closely.

As Walsh continues to have success with his "nickel-and-dime" offense, other coaches also begin to focus more on their passing games. In response...