Among smaller, subtler fears, here are the worst fears for each position:
Quarterback: Interceptions. Getting sacked might hurt physically, but nothing stings the soul more than a bad pick (bonus points if it’s returned for a touchdown.)
Wide Receiver: Dropped Passes. The main job of a wide receiver is to catch the ball and get upfield, so it stinks when you can’t fulfill the biggest thing in your job description.
Running Back: Fumbles. Nothing makes time stand still more for a running back than when the golden egg is loose and is up for grabs on the ground.
Tight End: All Block, No Rock. Pancakes are fun and all, but can’t a guy get a few targets?
Offensive Line: Conditioning After Practice. Quarterback getting sacked after you got bull-rushed is a large fear, but let’s be honest here.
Defensive Line: Hurry-up Offenses. Playing against an up-tempo team is no fun for anyone on defense, but the big guys up front feel it (and fear it) the most.
Linebacker: Wrong Fits, Missed Tackles. Ending up in the wrong gap and whiffing on the ball carrier is a two-for-one that every linebacker fears.
Corner Back: Getting Burned. All alone, isolated on the outside against their #1 wide receiver. He hits you with a stutter-and-go and leaves you pleading with the ref for a sympathy flag. No bueno.
Safety: Wide Open Spaces. You’re the center-fielder in deep Cover 3 and the running back breaks through the middle. It’s you, the running back, and about 15 yards of green grass separating you. This situation usually ends up better for the running back than it does for the safety.
Kicker: Missed FGs. “You have one job!!!”
Punter: Shanks. Hoping to pin them back deep, you shank one into your own bench. That’s not a fun jog back to the sideline.
Returner: Muffs. Bad things happen when the ball is on the ground. You know that, and your coach is about to remind you.
Coaches have their own fears as well:
Offensive Coordinator: Stupid Penalties. Nothing worse than going for it on a crucial 4th and 1 and the left guard false starts.
Defensive Coordinator: Miscommunication. Full motion across the formation and no one communicates to bump and exchange responsibilities.
Head Coach: Poor Effort. Wins and losses come and go, but effort is always a non-negotiable.
Lastly, if you’re in a league that has this structure:
Owner/President: Relegation. Fighting for second-to-last place isn’t the goal at the start of the season, but it might be at the end of the season.
Read the original article and other fascinating articles at Spencer Ferrari-Wood.
