NFL Football features an 18-week regular season and single elimination playoff, culminating in the Super Bowl as its championship game.
Every National Football League team comprises eleven members, and each has a specific position on the field. When plays occur, either passing or running may take place to move the ball downfield.
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Offense
As much as defense may get the limelight, offense is what fills stadiums and draws TV ratings. See where your team stacks up on Sportsnaut NFL offensive rankings.
After receiving the ball from its center location or some distance behind (‘shotgun’ or pistol formation), a quarterback receives it directly or from some distance behind (known as shotgun or pistol formation). From here he may either run with it himself, give it to an eligible ball carrier who runs with it themselves, or send forward passes towards players further downfield.
Wide receivers (WRs) serve as the focal point of the passing game and must be both strong enough to block, yet agile enough to run pass routes. Formerly considered blocking positions, tight ends may now function as wide receivers on trick plays. An offensive team’s goal should be either scoring a touchdown (6 points), or creating a safety (2 points). They then get four more downs before starting over from scratch again.
Defense
Defenses’ primary goal is to shut down an opponent’s offense. They can do this by preventing scoring attempts from being made, forcing a turnover on downs or returning field goal attempts as field goals.
The defensive team consists of four linebackers at the line of scrimmage and three defensive backs who play deep in the field to defend against pass plays. Defensive players are assigned either man-to-man coverage or zone coverage duties.
Defenders who specialize in run defense must possess enough strength and speed to withstand pushes from offensive linemen while quickly tracking down airborne receivers. On the other hand, those defending pass must be quick enough and agile enough to cover opponent wide receivers before engaging offensive players before the ball is snapped.
Special teams
NFL Football’s special teams teams may not receive as much recognition, yet their presence can have just as big an effect on a game – especially since kickoffs often decide field position.
Special teams players typically include both offensive and defensive specialists; such as kickers (for both place kicking and punting) and long snappers.
Kickoff and extra point kicking teams rely on seven players lining up at the line of scrimmage to form an offensive line – similar to an offensive play. However, for kickoffs and extra points the center – known as a long snapper – will begin their two-point stance, instead of three. Ten additional players will then break through and tackle return men.
Kicking
Football players spend most of their time drilling, conditioning and learning about opposing schemes; kickers on the other hand have limited physical activity and spend most of their time watching film and preparing for games.
Hence their lack of tolerance for poor performance from even longtime stars despite having track records of success. Dan Bailey – one of the greatest kickers ever seen in NFL history – was recently let go from Dallas after making just three field goals during September.
In 1974, the NFL instituted several changes designed to help kickers improve their accuracy rates and boost scoring rates. These included eliminating penalties for missed field goals from beyond 20-yard line, moving kickoffs back to 35-yard line and prohibiting defensive players from creating wedge blocks that impede punt returns.
Additionally, a novel soccer-style kicking approach was implemented. This consisted of taking three steps back and two to the left before striking the ball with the instep of one’s foot.
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