American Football (Don't talk about rugby for the love of god) - General

[img]http://wallstcheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/NFL.jpg[/img] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrjXDSuBuaQ&NR=1[/media] [b]YOUR ONE STOP TO TALK ABOUT AMERICAN FOOTBALL. TALK ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE TEAM OR TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SPORT. [highlight]THIS IS NOT A PLACE TO DISCUSS FOOTBALL (SOCCER) OR RUGBY![/highlight][/b] [release]American Football, a sport created and popularized in America, remains the #1 sport in America since 1920. Most other country's do not play it nationally, and the sport get's dogged on most due to both it's name and it's use of pads (more on that later).[/release] [release][b]How The Game Is Played[/b] The game is played with 2 teams going against each other. One team is on Offence and one team is on Defense. A coin flip at the beginning of the game decides who get's the ball first, and who get's it at the 3rd period. The goal is to have the most point after four 15-minute quarters. The offence's job is to score points in any way possible, and the defense's goals is to stop the offence from doing so. The offence has four tries to move the ball 10 yards. At 4th down, they can punt (Kick it to other team for them to go on offence wherever the ball is kicked), field goal it (Attempt to kick it for 3 points. If they fail, the other teams get's the ball where they kicked it from), or go for it (If they don't get it, the other team get's the ball wherever the ball is) [b]Scoring Chart[/b] Touchdown - 6 points PaT (Point after Touchdown) - 1 point Field Goal - 3 Safety (Tackling someone in their own touchdown, the tackling team get's the points AND the ball. This is a rare occurrence) - 2[/release] [release][b]History[/b] [code]In 1920 representatives of several professional American football leagues and independent teams founded the American Professional Football Conference, soon renamed the National Football League. The first official championship game was held in 1933. By 1958, when that season's NFL championship game became known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played", the NFL was on its way to becoming one of the most popular sports leagues in the United States. The merger with the American Football League, agreed to in 1966 and completed in 1970, greatly expanded the league and created the Super Bowl, which has become the most-watched annual sporting event in the United States.[/code][/release] [release][b]Positions[/b] [b]Offence[/b] [code]Center (C) — the center performs the normal blocking functions of all linemen and is the player who puts the ball in play by means of the snap. On many teams the Center will be one of the "Team Captains" and depending on the amount of autonomy allowed by the team, some centers are responsible for coordinating and directing the efforts of the other members of the Offensive Line. Offensive guard (G) — the two guards are the offensive linemen directly on either side of the center and inside the tackles. Like all interior linemen, their function is to block on both running and passing plays. On some plays, rather than blocking straight ahead, a guard will "pull" - moving around behind the other offensive linemen upon the start of the play - in order to block a player on either side of the center, in an inside running play called a "trap" or an outside running play called a "sweep." Offensive tackle (T)—the offensive tackles play on the outer side of each guard. Their role is primarily to block on both running and passing plays. The area from one tackle to the other is an area of "close line play" in which blocks from behind, which are prohibited elsewhere on the field, are allowed. For a right-handed quarterback, the left tackle is charged with protecting the blindside, and is often faster than the other offensive linemen to stop 'speed rushers' at the Defensive End position. Like a guard, the tackle may have to "pull," on a running play, when there is a tight end on his side. The description above of the guard and tackle positions apply only to a line that is balanced (has equal numbers of players on both sides of the player who is to snap the ball). In an unbalanced line, there may be players designated "guard" or "tackle" next to each other. Offensive linemen cannot catch the ball but on rare occasions they are alowed and sometimes even run the ball. In most circumstances, however, they do not. Except for the snap by the offensive center as each play from scrimmage starts, ordinarily the only way an offensive lineman can get the ball during a play is by picking up a fumble. On rare occasions offensive linemen legally catch passes, known as "tackle eligible"; they can do so either by reporting as an eligible receiver to the referee prior to the snap or by catching a pass which has first been deflected or otherwise touched by an eligible receiver or a defensive player. Any other touching of a forward pass by an offensive lineman will result in a penalty. Tight end (TE) — Tight ends play on either side of, and roughly next to, the tackles. They are a mix between a blocker and a pass receiver. If an end moves away from the tackle, he is called a split end. Modern formations typically have one tight end and one split end. Many modern formations also forego tight ends and replace them with wide receivers. Sometimes a formation is referred to as having "three tight ends." This means in reality that an additional blocker (a wingback or an eighth lineman) has been substituted for a wide receiver. This would be done as in short-yardage situations where receivers are not needed. Wide receiver (WR) — The wide receivers are speedy pass-catching specialists. However, they can be bigger if they still can get open and catch the ball. Their main job is to run pass routes and get open for a pass, although they are occasionally called on to block. A wide receiver may line up on the line of scrimmage and be counted as one of the necessary seven players on the line in a legal formation (a split end), or he may line up at least one step behind the line of scrimmage and be counted as being in the backfield (a flanker if he is on the outside, a slot if he is not the outside receiver but is away from the tackle, or a wingback if he lines up near [usually adjacent to and just behind] the tackle). There are generally two types of wide receivers, "speed" and "possession." A speed receiver's primary function is to use his burst speed (speed from a standing start), to stretch the field (by forcing his coverage to retreat further into the back field in the hope that at the snap of the ball they [the pass coverage] will already be near where the receiver will catch the ball). The defense has to estimate where the speed receiver will move to; and may have to pull away an eighth defensive man near the line of scrimmage who would otherwise move against the quarterback. A possession receiver is generally the more sure-handed of the two types and is used to keep possession of the ball by making catches that gain first down less yardage; but he usually lacks the speed to attack a defensive backfield. Passing long (deep into the backfield) to the possession receiver is a risk because equally quick or quicker defensive backs may be able to reach this receiver deep in their territory and (if they are so skilled), legally break up his reception of the ball. Also, if a pass is not properly thrown, is tipped, is carried by the wind (in an outdoor game), or the pass route is misunderstood between the passer and the receiver, the defense may use their equal or superior speed to make a clean interception of the ball. Fullback (FB) — Positioned behind the middle of the line, a fullback may do some running, some blocking, and some short receiving. A classic fullback is more of a power runner than a running back. Many modern formations do not use a fullback. Most plays utilizing the fullback call for him to block, generally by running the planned rushing route behind the opening his offensive line has made in the opposite defensive lineup; and taking the block of the first linebacker(s) who tries to seal the gap the offensive line has made in the defense. By doing this the Fullback creates a path for the running back to run while having the ball. The greatest yardage can be gained by the running back when the fullback blocks, but concentrates on keeping on moving downfield with the running back advancing behind him. Should this blocking protection for the runner remain intact until the rushing convoy reaches the rear of the defensive secondary (the linebackers), and with the running back still on his feet and running downfield, one of the most memorable plays in the sport can be observed--that of an open-field run for long yardage or a touchdown.Running back (RB) — The modern term for the position formerly called "halfback" and often referred to as a "tailback." The running back carries the ball on most running plays and is also frequently used as a short-yardage receiver. Running backs, along with the wide receivers, are generally the fastest players on the offensive team. Most of them tend not to run straight ahead, preferring to make quick cutbacks to try to find holes in the defense. The running back is in fact looking for a clear path (of any shape) to the gap between the defensive secondary (the linebacker(s)) and the defensive backfield. A modern running back still on his feet in this gap can cross the distance down field before he can be tackled by the defensive secondary (he is usually much faster than they are). His small size, his speed, and his physical strength make it very difficult for defensive backs to catch him, or to legally bring him down if they do catch up to him on the run. A new formation that is becoming more popular in football has the running back lined up as the quarterback and the quarterback split out as a receiver. This formation is known as "wildcat", and the running back lines up behind the center and receives the snap of the ball. The reason running backs are injury prone and rarely have long careers in the game is that either the initial hits they receive when the run directly into the defensive line; or when they are hit by the larger linebackers on the run do much damage to them, especially the knees and the ligaments (joints). "Fullback" is now regarded as a separate position from running back, with a substantially different role (especially in the NFL). Quarterback (QB) — Typically the quarterback is positioned to take the football when the ball is snapped (handed or passed) between the center's legs. Recent usage refers imprecisely, however, to a player who is positioned behind the center at any distance, calls signals, is not the usual punter or place kick holder, and usually takes the snap as "quarterback" regardless of exact position, because those functions have typically been performed by quarterbacks. Typical play from formations where the quarterback takes the snap proceeds by the quarterback either handing the ball off to a running back to run, throwing the ball downfield, or running personally.[/code] [b]Defense[/b] [code]Defensive end (DE) — The two defensive ends play on opposite outside edges of the defensive line. Their function is to attack the passer or stop offensive runs to the outer edges of the line of scrimmage (most often referred to as "containment"). The faster of the two is usually placed on the right side of the defensive line (quarterback's left) because that is a right-handed quarterback's blind side. Defensive tackle (DT) — Sometimes called a defensive guard, defensive tackles are side-by-side linemen who are between the defensive ends. Their function is to rush the passer (if they can get past the offensive linemen blocking them), and stop running plays directed at the middle of the line of scrimmage. A defensive tackle who lines up directly across from the ball (and therefore is almost nose-to-nose with the offense's center) is often called a nose tackle or nose guard. The nose tackle is most common in the 3-4 defense and the quarter defense. Most defensive sets have from one to two defensive tackles. Sometimes, but not often, a team will employ three defensive tackles. Nose guard (NG) — Sometimes called a middle guard, the nose guard lines up directly opposite the offensive center, or over the center's "nose." Nose guards tend to be shorter than most other defensive linemen. They are typically very strong and their responsibility is to stop runs down the middle and draw double teams. Extremely quick nose guards are sometimes used to shoot through the offensive line before it can react. They then sack the quarterback or make a tackle shortly after a hand off. This is rare, however, because most defensive linemen are not quick enough to consistently shoot the gaps between the individual offensive linemen. "Nose guard" is often a term incorrectly applied to the defensive tackle in a 3-4 defensive scheme. This position is known as a nose tackle. Nose guards are sometimes also referred to as middle guards. Linebacker (LB) — Linebackers play behind the defensive line and perform various duties depending on the situation, including rushing the passer, covering receivers, and defending against the run. Most defensive sets have between two and three linebackers. Linebackers are usually divided into three types: strongside (left or right outside linebacker: LOLB or ROLB); middle (MLB); and weakside (LOLB or ROLB). The strongside linebacker usually lines up across from the offense's tight end; he is usually the strongest LB because he must be able to shed lead blockers quickly enough to tackle the running back. The middle linebacker must correctly identify the offense's formations and what adjustments the entire defense must make. Because of this, the middle linebacker is nicknamed the "quarterback of the defense." The weakside linebacker is usually the most athletic or fastest linebacker because he usually must defend an open field. Cornerback (CB) — Typically two players who primarily cover the wide receivers. Cornerbacks attempt to prevent successful quarterback passes by either swatting the airborne ball away from the receiver or by catching the pass themselves. In rushing situations, their job is to contain the rusher. Safety (FS or SS) — The safeties are the last line of defense (farthest from the line of scrimmage) and usually help the corners with deep-pass coverage. The strong safety (SS) is usually the larger and stronger of the two, providing extra protection against run plays by standing somewhere between the free safety and the line of scrimmage. The free safety (FS) is usually the smaller and faster of the two, providing variable and extra pass coverage. Traditionally, teams have looked for safeties with reputations as hard hitters. More recently, however, teams have been looking for hybrid safeties who can do both jobs, as in a cover 2 defense, when the strong safety has a greater role to play in coverage. Safeties are also used in a variety of blitzes.[/code] [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ee/American_Football_Positions.png[/img][/release] [release][b]Teams[/b] [img]http://eazytoyz619.com/files/2010/05/nfl_teams.jpg[/img] [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/NFL_Schedule_Sample.PNG[/img][/release] [release][b]Images[/b] [img]http://www.playerpress.com/uploads/Image/jon_kitna_terrible_fantasy_qb_6.jpg[/img] [img]http://s2.hubimg.com/u/795797_f520.jpg[/img] [img]http://top-10-list.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Scoring-in-American-Football.jpg[/img] [img]http://sfist.com/attachments/sfist_jon/sp_raiders21257mm.jpg[/img] [img]http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/football-tackle.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.tlu.edu/i/athletics/football/images/2007/mcmurry_photos_web/casey_wedding_tackle_2_web_v_mcmurry_2007.jpg[/img][/release] [b]NOW DISCUSS[/b]

[QUOTE=The Great Ghast;27204879] [b]NOW DISCUSS[/b][/QUOTE] Nope. [highlight](User was banned for this post ("Snipe" - TH89))[/highlight]

[img]http://www.dailycomedy.com/images/jokes/b/SeattleSeahawks.jpg[/img] Seahawwwwwwwwwwwwks. Always for the underdogs.

[QUOTE=CabooseRvB;27204902][img_thumb]http://www.dailycomedy.com/images/jokes/b/SeattleSeahawks.jpg[/img_thumb] Seahawwwwwwwwwwwwks. Always for the underdogs.[/QUOTE] I hear ya man. [img]http://ssreporters.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/jaguars.jpg[/img] Alllllll day!

rugby [highlight](User was banned for this post ("Snipe" - TH89))[/highlight]

Big waste of time and money unless it's the backyard type.

I used to play pop warner football when I was younger, that shit is tough if you're not in shape

[QUOTE=BipolarPanda;27204921]Big waste of time and money unless it's the backyard type.[/QUOTE] I play highschool football. I don't think it's a waste of time and money.

Australian rugby is far better than this. I'm not trolling, I'm just saying it's better, I don't see how you guys wear padding constantly

I'm not a fan of the NFL, I only watch college football. NFL just doesn't have that charm to it, too professional. Basically everyone is too good and it makes the games boring. More spectacular things happen in college football.

[QUOTE=mr apple;27204934]Australian rugby is far better than this. I'm not trolling, I'm just saying it's better, I don't see how you guys wear padding constantly[/QUOTE] I've seen guys just in highschool Get concussions, break collarbones, break ribs, etc. Pads try to prevent, but even they are not enough for some hits. Rugby hits and American Football hits a very different. [editline]4th January 2011[/editline] [QUOTE=Uberman77883;27204946]I'm not a fan of the NFL, I only watch college football. NFL just doesn't have that charm to it, too professional. Basically everyone is too good and it makes the games boring. More spectacular things happen in college football.[/QUOTE] If everyone is to good, doesn't that make it even?

The standings you have posted are completely wrong. [img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/NFL_Schedule_Sample.PNG[/img] Also, it's all about... [img]http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:CCKxuZGIZWpMeM:http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/7/158/full/593.gif&t=1[/img]

[QUOTE=The Great Ghast;27204970]I've seen guys just in highschool Get concussions, break collarbones, break ribs, etc. Pads try to prevent, but even they are not enough for some hits. Rugby hits and American Football hits a very different. [editline]4th January 2011[/editline] If everyone is to good, doesn't that make it even?[/QUOTE] Not really, we are men here in Australia. Padding just takes all the fun out of it

[QUOTE=Squad;27204989]The standings you have posted are completely wrong. [img_thumb]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/NFL_Schedule_Sample.PNG[/img_thumb] Also, it's all about... [img_thumb]http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:CCKxuZGIZWpMeM:http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/7/158/full/593.gif&t=1[/img_thumb][/QUOTE] Hmmmm? I just posted that to show how teams are grouped and who they are grouped with.

[QUOTE=mr apple;27204934]Australian rugby is far better than this. I'm not trolling, I'm just saying it's better, I don't see how you guys wear padding constantly[/QUOTE] We wear padding because we don't want to break a bone every play. You don't see 300+ lbs. lineman charging at you with the momentum and force of a pickup truck going 30mph. If he were to do that to any untrained, unathletic person, they would either be severely injured or possibly killed. In Rugby there isn't a lot of momentum unless its at the start of a play, and even then you have opposite mongrels on the other side pushing against you. Its a motion sport, more of pulling people down and stripping people of the ball. In football, you plow them into the ground.

[img]http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/cleveland_browns_helmet-logo.jpg[/img] Cleveland fan 'til my dying breath.

[QUOTE=The Great Ghast;27204970]I've seen guys just in highschool Get concussions, break collarbones, break ribs, etc. Pads try to prevent, but even they are not enough for some hits. Rugby hits and American Football hits a very different. [editline]4th January 2011[/editline] If everyone is to good, doesn't that make it even?[/QUOTE] Its not about being even, its about being entertaining. Plus there are centuries old rivalries in college that the NFL doesn't have.

[QUOTE=mr apple;27204999]Not really, we are men here in Australia. Padding just takes all the fun out of it[/QUOTE] I have to disagree, pads make it more fun. The feeling of pads on your chest and a helmet gives me an adrenline rush whenever the play calls for me to catch. Rugby never gave me that kinda feeling.

[QUOTE=mr apple;27204999]Not really, we are men here in Australia. Padding just takes all the fun out of it[/QUOTE] Come on man, you're doing exactly what the title tried to prevent. This rugby vs. american football debate can go on for eons, this is a thread for simply american football.

Also Jared Allen even said after tackling Johnny Knoxville, "speed and momentum, equals that" while pointing to Johnny who was unable to get up after being wrecked by a professional athlete.

[QUOTE=Uberman77883;27205044]Its not about being even, its about being entertaining. Plus there are centuries old rivalries in college that the NFL doesn't have.[/QUOTE] Just because they aren't centuries old, doesn't mean the NFL doesn't have rivalries? There are some huge rivalries in the NFL.

Damn Green Bay. I don't know if they are going to make playoffs this year :(

[QUOTE=Uberman77883;27205024]We wear padding because we don't want to break a bone every play. You don't see 300+ lbs. lineman charging at you with the momentum and force of a pickup truck going 30mph. If he were to do that to any untrained, unathletic person, they would either be severely injured or possibly killed. In Rugby there isn't a lot of momentum unless its at the start of a play, and even then you have opposite mongrels on the other side pushing against you. Its a motion sport, more of pulling people down and stripping people of the ball. In football, you plow them into the ground.[/QUOTE] All these different names confuse me. But I won't reply any more, I've just been curious at why you guys wear so much padding compared to us Aussies who wear none at all.

[QUOTE=JohnStamosFan;27205100]Damn Green Bay. I don't know if they are going to make playoffs this year :([/QUOTE] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvdf5n-zI14[/media] It's already been decided.

[QUOTE=mr apple;27205110]All these different names confuse me. But I won't reply any more, I've just been curious at why you guys wear so much padding compared to us Aussies who wear none at all.[/QUOTE] Because they are different sports. Now, like you said, you won't reply anymore.

[QUOTE=mr apple;27205110]All these different names confuse me. But I won't reply any more, I've just been curious at why you guys wear so much padding compared to us Aussies who wear none at all.[/QUOTE] Enough rugby talk please. Our pads are made so we can tackle like that. End of rugby v. football discussion.

[img]http://www.nflfootballstadiums.com/images/San-Diego-Chargers-Logo.gif[/img] [b]Fuck your faggy ass shit. ~SD 4 lyfe babyyyyyyy~[/b]

[QUOTE=mr apple;27205110]All these different names confuse me. But I won't reply any more, I've just been curious at why you guys wear so much padding compared to us Aussies who wear none at all.[/QUOTE] Because they run into each other like trains, causing a train wreck. We all know train wrecks hurt

You know what really sucked this year? Living in Denver. :smith:

[QUOTE=mr apple;27205110]All these different names confuse me. But I won't reply any more, I've just been curious at why you guys wear so much padding compared to us Aussies who wear none at all.[/QUOTE] Because it's a different sport. Football is not rugby with pads. It is a different sport entirely.