This is the End

I decided I am ending my football blogging career. I will continue playing football for a very long time, all through high school and college. But I have found out through blogging, it takes up so much time and work, that it is just too much for me. Which is why this is the end of my blog, at the lucky 13th post. I hope I have taught all of you something about football. I know I have learned a lot from this blog, about positions, rules, jokes, and much more. All of you better continue playing football, and good luck. It’s all about fun! Not just winning. Good luck!

~Erik
Your Fellow Blogger (retired)

The Offense

The offensive team or offense in football is the team that begins a play from scrimmage in possession of the ball. A play usually begins when the quarterback takes a snap from the center and then either hands off to a back, passes to a receiver or a back, runs the ball himself, spikes the ball, or takes a knee.
The purpose of spiking the ball is to stop the play clock if the offense is running out of time. The purpose of taking a knee is to waste time. If a player runs the ball and stays in bounds, or if a player receives a pass and stays in bounds (this has the same effect as taking a knee), then the clock keeps ticking. But if a player runs out of bounds, or there is an incomplete pass (which also counts as spiking the ball), then the clock stops.
Usually the sign that their goal is accomplished for the offensive team is the touchdown. However, the offensive team can also help the team score by getting good field position for an attempt at a field goal.
The offensive unit in football consists of a quarterback, linemen, backs, tight ends and receivers. The function of most of the linemen is to block. The offensive line consists of a center, two guards, two tackles and one or two tight ends. Backs include running backs (or tailbacks) who frequently carry the ball, and a fullback, who usually blocks, and occasionally carries the ball or receives a pass. The primary function of the wide receivers is to catch passes.
The ultimate makeup of the offense and how it operates is governed by the head coach or offensive coordinator’s offensive philosophy.
• 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 (OG)—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 (OT)—the offensive tackles play on both of the guards outside. 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 some 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 can not catch the ball but may run the ball if they want. 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; 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 the ball 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. 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). There are generally two types of wide receivers, “speed” and “possession.” A speed receiver’s primary function is to stretch the field, to be a deep threat, and to pull away an eighth defensive man near the line of scrimmage from moves 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 yardage, but he usually lacks the speed to attack a defensive backfield.
• 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 up the middle of the line, clearing a path for a running back to run while having the ball to gain yardage.

Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback #14 Anthony Morelli hands the ball off to his tailback #33 Austin Scott in their 2007 season opener.
• Running back (RB) — The modern term for the position formerly called “halfback.” 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. This, however, is a generalization, since some running backs are more power-oriented. “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 a snap handed between the center’s legs. However, recent usage refers imprecisely 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.

Special Teams

Special teams” redirects here. For the ice hockey definition of “special teams,” see powerplay and short handed.
Special teams are units that are on the field during kickoffs, free kicks, punts, field goal and extra point attempts. Most special teams players are second- and third-string players from other positions.
Special teams are unique in that they can serve as offensive or defensive units and that they are only seen sporadically throughout a game.
Special teams include a kickoff team, a kick return team, a punting team, a punt blocking/return team, a field goal team and a field goal block team.
There are also specialized players on these teams, including:
• Kicker (K) — Handles kickoffs and field goal attempts, and in some leagues, punts as well.
• Holder (H) — Usually positioned 7-8 yards from the line of scrimmage, he holds the ball for the placekicker to kick. The holder is often a backup quarterback or a punter.
• Long snapper (LS) — A specialized center who snaps the ball directly to the holder or punter. The long snapper is often an offensive linemen or backup Tight End; rarely a center.
• Kick returner (KR) — Returns kickoffs, generally is also a wide receiver or cornerback.
• Punter (P) — Kicks punts. In leagues other than the NFL, the kicker often doubles as the punter.
• Upback — A blocking back that lines up approximately 1-3 yards behind the line of scrimmage in punting and kneel situations. His primary job is to act as a second line of defense for the punter. Upbacks can receive a direct snap in fake punt situations.
• Punt returner (PR) — Returns punts. Often the same player as the kick returner, although not necessarily so.
• Gunner — A player on kickoffs and punts who specializes in running down the field very quickly in an attempt to tackle the kick returner or the punt returner.
• Wedge Buster — A player whose goal is to sprint down the middle of the field on kickoffs. While ideally, their goal is to reach the kick returner, their immediate goal is to disrupt the wall of blockers (the wedge) on kickoffs, preventing the returner from having a lane in which to get a substantial return. Being a wedge buster is a very dangerous position since he may often be running at full speed when coming into contact with a blocker.
• Hands Team — Used only during onside kicks, the members of a hands team are responsible for preventing the kicking team from recovering a kick, usually by recovering the ball themselves.
Because these aspects of the game can be so different from general offensive and defensive play, a specific group of players is drilled in executing them. Though fewer points are scored on special teams than on offense, special teams play determines where the offense will begin each drive, and thus it has a dramatic impact on how easy or difficult it is for the offense to score.

The Defense

The defensive team or defense is the team that begins a play from scrimmage not in possession of the ball. The object of the defensive team is to prevent the other team from scoring. The sign that the defensive goal has been accomplished is recovering possession of the football before the offensive team scores, which usually involves the offensive team punting the ball on fourth down. Other possibilities include having the ball turned over on downs, getting an interception or recovering a fumble.
Unlike the offensive team, there are no formally defined defensive positions. A defensive player may line up anywhere on his side of the line of scrimmage and perform any legal action. However, most sets used in football include a line composed of defensive ends and defensive tackles and (behind the line) linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties.
Defensive ends and tackles are collectively called defensive line, while the cornerbacks and safeties are collectively called the secondary, or defensive backs.
• 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 that 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) 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. However, this is rare 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 that 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.

Fun Football Facts

Football Facts!

*Still Updating*

Did you know…?
• The only two days of the year in which there are no professional sports games (MLB, NBA, NHL, or NFL) are the day before and the day after the Major League All-Stars Game.
• No NFL team which plays its home games in a domed stadium has ever won a Super Bowl.
• In 1916 Georgia Tech’s football team beat Cumberland U., 222-0.
• It takes 3,000 cows to supply the NFL with enough leather for a year’s supply of footballs.
• When the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers play football at home, the stadium becomes the state’s third largest city.
• Herman Moore holds the NFL record for the most pass receptions in a single season.

Jokes…
A female’s definition of “eternity”:
ETERNITY (e*ter*ni*tee) n. The last two minutes of a football game.

The Real Game of Football

Football. It doesn’t have to be all about just football with all the rules and everything perfect. It doesn’t have to be perfectly safe, having all the top of the line pad, etc, but remember, always be safe! It could just be a fun game with lets say 5-20 friends on each team, tackle football, with no pads, on grass. Most of you have experienced this, and it is so much fun, almost no rules, you can do whatever you want, while still keeping up the fun. This may even be more fun than real football at times! You get to socialize, do what position you want, be all over the field, play offense and defense. Whatever you want.
This is a completely different perspective than football; it might be more dangerous at times, maybe more fun could be perfect for everyone. But also it could always be the opposite.
Whoever plays football, always has to try both perspectives, if not, you are not a true football player. Both will always make you better and better, no matter how you play, it is just drills with all the fun in it! Its just like the olden days when they had almost no protection, brings all the more fun into it, mud football, grass football, just all fun times!

The Real Inspiration of Football

An inspirational football video using clips from various films.

Made for a football rally on Friday, September 30, 2005.

Hardest PRO Football Hits EVER

Here are some of the hardest Football hits in PRO football, thanks for viewing!
~Erik

Schutt Air Flex Shoulder Pad Review

Get them here! – http://www.footballamerica.com/football/productDesc.do?productDesc=14143

“Schutt Air Flex QB/WR Adult Shoulder Pads

The Schutt Air Flex(TM) football shoulder pads are the Ultimate in Professional level shoulder pads. The Schutt exclusive Brock Beaded Quilt Technology greatly reduces the amount of force transmitted from impact. Brock Beaded Quilt is bacteria resistant and the beads have NO bacteria growth. Raised corrugations in the design make the pad stronger and increase circulation. Arches in the pad have vents that maximize air flow and help keep you cool. This pad features all stainless steel hardware. The Quilted Boady is covered with an EPA registered anti-microbial treatment. Plastic sub arch is contoured to add strength and lower the pad’s profile.

The Air Flex 9405 pad is ideal for Quarterbacks and Wide receivers. The arch design allows maximum range of motion for passing and receiving. These are a lightweight pad with a low profile.

Sizes: S-XXL.” – FootballAmerica.com

These shoulderpads are meant for mainly Quarterbacks or Wide Recievers, although this can therefore be used for any position due to its light wieght and low profile, although provides exellent protection against verious opponents. It is all what you prefer, comfort always is a need, and how it feels to you. These are great shoulder pads, and as people say with some stuff, as this counts for shoulder pads, ‘You get what you pay for.’ As saying your paying for what they put into it, not the label.

Cost: $279.99

Steve Young

Steve Young was born on October 11, 1961 in Salt Lake City, Utah. ss a former quarterback for the Los Angeles Express of the United States Football League, the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the NFL in 1992 and 1994, the MVP of Super Bowl XXIX, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005, the first left-handed quarterback to be so honored.
Steve Young attended Greenwich High School in Greenwich, Connecticut. He got 1978 All-FCIAC West Division First Team honors in his junior year, his first year starting at quarterback for the Cardinals. During his senior year he was co-captain of the football, basketball and baseball teams. In basketball, he averaged 15 points a game. In baseball, he hit .384 and played center field when he wasn’t pitching. He played many sports with the addition to football which made him such a good player in every sport.
Since he was such a good runner, he soon became heavily recruited by North Carolina, and he decided to attend Brigham Young University. He passed for 3,902 yards and 33 touchdowns in the regular season, and his 71.3% completion percentage set an NCAA single-season record. He also added 544 yards rushing. He became an amazing player who was exceptionally skilled at quarterback and rushing.

Stats:

Steve Young
Height: 6-2 Weight: 215 Age: 47
Born: 10/11/1961 Salt Lake City , UT
College: Brigham Young
Experience: 15 Seasons
TDS: 232
INT: 107
YARDS: 33,124
RTG: 96.8