It was one of the tricks (devised) by Waufle, whom Cofield described as “a mad scientist” and Tollefson called “a guru.” Waufle served as a (marine) in the 1970s but said his military training did not make him rigid in his ways.
“In the Marine Corps, you have to be able to (improvise) and adapt,” Waufle said. “I try to work at some creativity. We have a very (intelligent) group.”
Before the season, the line needed rebuilding because Michael Strahan retired and Osi Umenyiora sustained a knee injury that put him out for the year. But Tuck replaced Strahan, and Kiwanuka returned to his end spot after a year at linebacker.
Robbins, a ninth-year player, was voted a (co-captain) and said, “It is a (tremendous) feeling for teammates to look up to you.” Among others, he mentors Cofield, in his third year, and Jay Alford, in his second. “I try and give them my best input,” Robbins said.
Tackles tend to receive less attention than ends. Waufle described the starters Robbins and Cofield as “a couple of tough guys.”
Waufle added: “They play hard. They play hurt and they are hard to move.”