Lots of times I see a player seemingly unaware of where the ball is or where opposing players are and I get incredulous.
Then I think about. I played an incredible amount of tag and flag football and I always had great awareness, but I tried to play tackle once for about 3 games. Didn't like the helmet. It messed with my senses. One play, I was playing a safety and there was a guy running down the sideling. I was backing up and watching the QB being pretty sure I knew where the player was. Turns out he was 20 yard further down the field. Never made that mistake without a helmet on. Another time I was returning a punt and I ran past the first few guys and slowed down just a touch to try to dart between 2 others. Bam, I was taken down from behind. Had no idea that anyone was following so close.
I wonder, do those playing tackle for many years get to where they have the same awareness with or without the helmet.