Here’s what I have so far
Hey professor I could really use some help with this.
Since I’m researching the relationship between the value of a dominant defensive player versus the value of a great quarterback, I think the cause and effect relationship is crucial to my thesis. We THINK the quarterback is easily the most important and best player on the field at all times, since he is the person who touches the ball the most. But actually, it’s a great DEFENSIVE PLAYER, that can elevate the greatness of a team, and create opportunities for both the quarterback and defense.
Another thing I want to talk about about is how easy offense is to come by in the NFL so why aren’t great defenses more valued in the game today? Most analysts and the media always give credit to the quarterback or offense, but the defense is just as responsible. The goal to win the game is to score more points than the other team, however, it is just as important to stop the other team from scoring.
I guess one of the biggest problems I have is explaining what I want, but to make it understandable to the reader. Football is one of, if not the most in depth sports in the world, so making my argument understandable can be challenging. What I may know or believe about football may not be understandable to who is reading.
Counterintuitive 
Somebody does it every semester, Ivonid. This semester it’s you: CAUSAL, not CASUAL. 🙂
I guess it was at your Open Strong that I made my most recent comments to you on your topic. Are we both in possession of that conversation?
If I understand your first paragraph claim here, you’re saying that the cause/effect relationship is that the defense creates the opportunities the offense only capitalizes on. Without the defense, no opportunity. Without opportunity, no scoring. If that’s it, I get it. I was confused that you might be saying our THINKING was the causal effect.
How would research quantify this claim? I’m thinking there might be several ways to measure defensive effectiveness.
—Allowing the fewest points, obviously
—Allowing the fewest yards rushing
—Allowing the fewest yards passing
—How about “getting off the field” as in: winning the time of possession battle.
—Most 3-and-outs
—Most forced turnovers
—Most yards for losses
Those might be different calculations for different defensive players, of course. You’re probably looking at a Defensive Captain type, not a safety who’s making a lot of interceptions.
Your best bet to be persuasive might be to choose a single year in which a quarterback won the MVP award but in which a dominant defender made it all possible. You really need a decisive illustration.
I’m only a casual (not causal) fan of the game, but I can at least appreciate if not always anticipate the claims your argument will need. But let’s find out. Lay out the most complex arguments you think you need and I’ll let you know if it gets too technical for the average fan.
OR. Since you get to decide who your audience is, go ahead and geek out. There’s no rule against playing to your own crowd.
Helpful? This is intended to be a conversation, Ivonid. Your reactions, please.
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