Chapter 1, Back Story Summary and Analysis

The first chapter begins with a step-by-step description of a famous football play and the role of the offensive linemen that protect the quarterback from opposing defenses. The author also explains how the roles of offensive linemen are changing. He introduces the reader to New York Giants defensive star linebacker Lawrence Taylor, who delights in instilling fear in the opposing quarterbacks he faces on the field. Taylor is not only large and powerful, but also surprisingly fast. He runs past the people who are responsible for blocking him, and he loves sacking the quarterback and putting him on the ground.

Giants coach Bill Parcells describes Taylor in detail, and explains his theories about the secret to his success. Parcells decides to have Taylor play on the right side of the defensive line, since that is considered a...