FOOTBALL FOR THE MRS.; Learn The Game One Aspect at a Time

I know alot of woman, and a few men would love the football if they only knew what was going on during the game. So While these posts are entitled " Football For The Mrs." this is really just a way to help those of you who want to know the game better. Over the course of the season I will break down the entire game of football, from players positions, to how to game works, the penalties, and formations, schemes etc. We will take it slow and start at the very begining. Let's learn the positions on offense!

POSITIONS Offense

The linemen, the interior line must consist of atleast 5 players. The center ( who can be found where his name suggests) is the middle of the line, he is the player who lines up infront of the quarterback, and hikes the ball. Next to the center on both sides is a gaurd, often teams play the gaurds and centers close together to better protect the quearterback.  On the outside of each gaurd is an offensive tackle. These 5 players must be set (set meaning not moving and on the line of scrimmage) before the snap on every play. They are not eligible to catch passes, with the exception of tackles, and they cannot advance past the line of scrimmage unless they are in contact with a defender. Their main job is to protect the quarterback and open up lanes for the running game.

The tight end; also on the line, is a reciever, normally larger in size because they don't have to have the speed of a wide receiver. They will often line up outside a tackle, and are used to block as well as receive. their general area of the field is in  the middle about 5-15 yards from the line of scrimmage.

Wide receivers: called such people they are the players closest to the sidelines, their primary job is to catch passes from the quarterback. Depending on the play, there generally will be between 2-4 wide receivers on the field at a time. Wide receiver is a very general term however, as there are positions within the position. Split ends line up on the line of scrimmage which is required. The Flanker, lines up off (behind) the line of scrimmage, usually on the outside of the tightend. Then you have the slot receiver, who can be the tightend, who lines up between the split end/flanker and the tackle. Finally the slot back lines up in backfield and generally makes catches in the middle of the field.

The Quarterback; generally lines up directly behind the center, which is known as "under center" In this position he quarterback takes a direct snap from the center and either passes or hands off the ball. A quarterback can also line up in "shotgun formation" which is where he is a few feet behind the center and the ball is hiked the distance between him and the center rather than handed off. This formation is used when the offensive line is having trouble protecting the quarterback, as it eliminates the time it would take for the quarterback to drop back to pass. It is also used by certain quarterbacks who simply perfer the formation.

The Running back ; can be either a half back or full back, lines up in the backfield, behind the QB and fullback . The halfback or tailend will be the one rushing the ball most of the time. his main job is to reveive handoffs from the QB and run the ball. he also is used in the passing game for short passes, screen plays, and as a blocker in the passing game. The fullback lines up between the RB and the QB the running back,and is often larger than the half back.He isn't used for running the ball as often as he is for blocking and leading the running route for the halfback.

LEARN YOUR PLAYERS; Starting players on Seattle Seahawks offense

Center- Chris Spencer #65

Left Gaurd- Ben Hamilton #50

Right Gaurd- Max Unger #60

Left Tackle- Russell Okung #76

Right Tackle- Sean Locklear #75

Tight end- John Carlson #89

Wide receiver- Deion Branch #83

Wide reveiver- Golden Tate #81

Runningback- Justin Forsett #20, Leon Washington #33

Fullback- your guess is as good as mine as to who will get this job, as Owen Schmitt was released by the Seahawks 9/7/10.

Note: Other Wide receivers that will see much playing time are Mike Williams, Deon Butler, and Ben Obamanu. Its still not clear on how often Julius Jones will be used in the running game, or if he will remain with the team.