On most days, it really doesn’t matter what opposing tailback comes charging through the line of scrimmage at Seahawks’ All-Pro middle linebacker Bobby Wagner.
If he is big like Rob Kelley, the Washington Redskins’ big, powerful running back, Wagner says there is more area to put a lick on.
But if he is smaller like Chris Thompson — the NFL leader in yards from scrimmage (673) for passing-down running backs — that can present a different challenge entirely.
“At the end of the day, it is probably easier to hit the bigger guy,” Wagner said. “Facing a smaller guy, you have to really make sure your fundamentals and technique are good because you don’t want to get embarrassed.