EPTLike most swedes, and europeans I presume, I have little clue about this sport called American football. It has rarely been broadcasted in Sweden but at the moment of writing I am watching the Steelers vs the Jets.
My first contact with American football was in school when we had an hour and a half of a student lead lesson were we played it. Along with a couple of american movies about miraculous football-related stuff that was all.
Until Super Bowl XLIII. During that game I learnt to understand why the americans love the choped-up, constantly interrupted, commercial ridden game. Santonio Holmes TD in the last minute of play was like taken from your (I assumed) exaggerated, but well-scripted football movies.
Since that game I have been able to see Super Bowl XLIV (not as good as the first one) and this year I almost had the entire season broadcasted on my TV-subscription, so I have viewed a couple of games when I had the time to spare and nothing to get up to in the morning (most matches are broadcasted past midnight).
So basicly I now have a growing interest in the game and already have the sixth of February marked in my calender; and planning on buying Madden to my ps3 on my next paycheck. But I need some help in my new interest - so please help me by answering my questions or guiding me to the answers:
+ Show Spoiler [TL DR] +
Help me understand and grow my interest in NFL by answering my questions:
Questions:
(will be updated when I have new ones, so please come back if you see this thread bumped)
Q1: What team should I root for?
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Obviously I have to start with the most important question. I guess this is pretty subjective but I need someone to root for. So to guide you in your suggestions:
- I want a team that isn't garbage. (I want my team to have a reasonable shot at winning the Vince Lobardi trophy)
- Cool personalities with in the team are more fun (like a brutish viking, hardcore black metal-fan, unorthodox QB, freakishly quick wr with long dreads, a fat dt that frequently sacks qbs every game, or some villians (who can back up their bad/arrogant behavior with exceptional play) (basicly the most best team with some personality traits I can relate to ;-] )).
- I generally like teams in other sports that are solid in defence (particularly containing star-defenders, I assume there are some in NFL despite the game seem to be focused on recievers and the QB).
- Maybe a team with a pleasant arena/hometown (so if I grow an attachment and when I go to US in the future I want to pay them a visit)
- I want a team that isn't garbage. (I want my team to have a reasonable shot at winning the Vince Lobardi trophy)
- Cool personalities with in the team are more fun (like a brutish viking, hardcore black metal-fan, unorthodox QB, freakishly quick wr with long dreads, a fat dt that frequently sacks qbs every game, or some villians (who can back up their bad/arrogant behavior with exceptional play) (basicly the most best team with some personality traits I can relate to ;-] )).
- I generally like teams in other sports that are solid in defence (particularly containing star-defenders, I assume there are some in NFL despite the game seem to be focused on recievers and the QB).
- Maybe a team with a pleasant arena/hometown (so if I grow an attachment and when I go to US in the future I want to pay them a visit)
That's all my questions for now, I hope you will be able to answer at least some of them.
(If you have your own questions or wonder something, I can update the op with those if you post them in the thread or pm me)
Update: Updated with some of the answers, thank you!
This is a fantastic way to learn some of the hard to google stuff, thanks a lot!!
+ Show Spoiler [Answers] +
Q2: Why does the QB lift his leg before the snap?
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On January 24 2011 10:43 whitelynx wrote:
2: To show the center to snap the ball because usually the crowd is too loud so the center cant hear it in shotgun
2: To show the center to snap the ball because usually the crowd is too loud so the center cant hear it in shotgun
Q3: What's a shotgun?
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On January 24 2011 10:43 whitelynx wrote:
3: shotgun is when the qb is not at the center's ass but where the running backs are, its pretty much made for pass plays haha
3: shotgun is when the qb is not at the center's ass but where the running backs are, its pretty much made for pass plays haha
On January 24 2011 10:45 29 fps wrote:
Q3: it's a formation where the QB is further out and the center tosses the ball backwards instead of simply handing it. it signals a pass play. the defense can see this, but it does help the offense save a little time because the QB doesnt have to take those few steps back.
Q3: it's a formation where the QB is further out and the center tosses the ball backwards instead of simply handing it. it signals a pass play. the defense can see this, but it does help the offense save a little time because the QB doesnt have to take those few steps back.
On January 24 2011 10:50 SlimeBagly wrote:
Q3: The qb starts off further behind the the center. The center throws the ball much further between his legs to the qb. This sets up the qb in a safer pocket for a faster pass. Thus, being in the shotgun makes it easier for the quaterback to pass longer faster safer, but a the expense of making it obvious he wants to pass.
Q3: The qb starts off further behind the the center. The center throws the ball much further between his legs to the qb. This sets up the qb in a safer pocket for a faster pass. Thus, being in the shotgun makes it easier for the quaterback to pass longer faster safer, but a the expense of making it obvious he wants to pass.
Q4: What are the (catching/not catching) rules for when a team punts or starts the game/half with a kick-off?
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On January 24 2011 10:43 whitelynx wrote:
4: usually the receiving team wants the ball to bounce backwards to the kicking side because sometimes they can't pick it up because they will be immediately tacked right after so the guys just pick it up whenever it stops bouncing whatever direction they want it to go
4: usually the receiving team wants the ball to bounce backwards to the kicking side because sometimes they can't pick it up because they will be immediately tacked right after so the guys just pick it up whenever it stops bouncing whatever direction they want it to go
On January 24 2011 10:45 29 fps wrote:
Q4: you can wave your hands to signal a fair catch. if you do, you cant be touched, but you cannot run with the ball after you catch it. if a kickoff goes out of bounds, it's a penalty for the kicking team. if a punt goes out of bounds, the ball starts there for the receiving team. if the ball goes into the endzone and nobody has touched it, it's a touchback (well, it's a little more complicated than that)
Q4: you can wave your hands to signal a fair catch. if you do, you cant be touched, but you cannot run with the ball after you catch it. if a kickoff goes out of bounds, it's a penalty for the kicking team. if a punt goes out of bounds, the ball starts there for the receiving team. if the ball goes into the endzone and nobody has touched it, it's a touchback (well, it's a little more complicated than that)
On January 24 2011 10:50 SlimeBagly wrote:
Q4: A kick off is a live-ball. anyone can recover it, assuming it goes the minimum required 10 yards. Thus, a team may attempt an "onside-kick" where it tries to kick off very short and recover itself. A punt is not a live ball- if the punting team touches it first, the play ends and the ball starts there for the other team. However, if the receiving team touches a punt but does not recover it, it is a live ball.
Q4: A kick off is a live-ball. anyone can recover it, assuming it goes the minimum required 10 yards. Thus, a team may attempt an "onside-kick" where it tries to kick off very short and recover itself. A punt is not a live ball- if the punting team touches it first, the play ends and the ball starts there for the other team. However, if the receiving team touches a punt but does not recover it, it is a live ball.
Q5: Why does Rex Ryan seem to be disliked? + Show Spoiler +
I have noticed some comments like
On January 24 2011 08:16 Debonair wrote:The only thing I dislike about the Jets is Rex Ryan.
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On January 24 2011 12:04 Arccotangent wrote:
1. As far as teams with solid defences and star defenders, I would go with Baltimore (Ray Lewis, Ed Reed) or Pittsburgh (Troy Polamalu, James Harrison). I can't really say much about what the cities are like to visit, as I haven't really visited those cities myself.
5. Rex Ryan speaks publicly more often than most coaches, often about predictions or such, which suggest he is quite confident in his team. Personally I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing, but I can see why he is disliked. When I first started getting into European football, I noticed that the managers speak publicly or to press quite often; Rex Ryan is perhaps the only NFL coach who will be as or more outspoken than some of the football club managers (Ferguson, Mourinho, Maradona).
1. As far as teams with solid defences and star defenders, I would go with Baltimore (Ray Lewis, Ed Reed) or Pittsburgh (Troy Polamalu, James Harrison). I can't really say much about what the cities are like to visit, as I haven't really visited those cities myself.
5. Rex Ryan speaks publicly more often than most coaches, often about predictions or such, which suggest he is quite confident in his team. Personally I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing, but I can see why he is disliked. When I first started getting into European football, I noticed that the managers speak publicly or to press quite often; Rex Ryan is perhaps the only NFL coach who will be as or more outspoken than some of the football club managers (Ferguson, Mourinho, Maradona).
On January 24 2011 12:16 jaminz wrote:
Q5: Rex Ryan is disliked because he is very outspoken about his team, and often exaggerates how good he thinks his team is. He can be seen as a very arrogant person, which many fans don't like.
Q5: Rex Ryan is disliked because he is very outspoken about his team, and often exaggerates how good he thinks his team is. He can be seen as a very arrogant person, which many fans don't like.
On January 24 2011 10:58 sung_moon wrote:
5. i always more or less laugh at rex ryan than hate him. he's got a huge ego and he's into foots. yea........ + Show Spoiler +
5. i always more or less laugh at rex ryan than hate him. he's got a huge ego and he's into foots. yea........ + Show Spoiler +
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/22/michelle-ryan-foot-fetish-video_n_800138.html
On January 24 2011 12:19 Aquafresh wrote:
Also this is Rex Ryan
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/rex-ryan,18901/
Also this is Rex Ryan
http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/rex-ryan,18901/
Q6: Are you allowed to substitute players at will?
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On January 24 2011 10:43 whitelynx wrote:
6: yeah you can inbetween plays.
6: yeah you can inbetween plays.
Q7: Is there a logic behind the player numbers?
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On January 24 2011 10:43 whitelynx wrote:
7: usually specific positions have numbers qbs, kickers, punters usually have 1-20, wide recievers have 10-20 or 80-90, offensive linemen have 70-90 and defensive lineman are like 50-80 and 90-99, etc.
7: usually specific positions have numbers qbs, kickers, punters usually have 1-20, wide recievers have 10-20 or 80-90, offensive linemen have 70-90 and defensive lineman are like 50-80 and 90-99, etc.
On January 24 2011 10:45 29 fps wrote:
Q7: there USED to be logic, like 60s would be offensive line, 90s would be defensive line, 50s were linebackers, 80s were tightends and wide receivers, 1s would be kickers, punters, 10s would be QBs, 20s were cornerbacks... but now, i dont think it REALLY matters.
Q7: there USED to be logic, like 60s would be offensive line, 90s would be defensive line, 50s were linebackers, 80s were tightends and wide receivers, 1s would be kickers, punters, 10s would be QBs, 20s were cornerbacks... but now, i dont think it REALLY matters.
On January 24 2011 11:03 huameng wrote:
The numbers still have some rules related to them. On offense, players with numbers 50-79 (and maybe 90-99) are assumed to be ineligible for actually handling the ball. On field goals you'll probably hear the ref annouce "61 and 74 are eligible" which lets the other team know that even though they are wearing the lineman numbers they are actually playing as receivers for this play.
The numbers still have some rules related to them. On offense, players with numbers 50-79 (and maybe 90-99) are assumed to be ineligible for actually handling the ball. On field goals you'll probably hear the ref annouce "61 and 74 are eligible" which lets the other team know that even though they are wearing the lineman numbers they are actually playing as receivers for this play.
Q8: Do you substitute the entire team in defence/offence?
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On January 24 2011 10:43 whitelynx wrote:
8: yeah if you really want to but its really tiring to play on both sides
8: yeah if you really want to but its really tiring to play on both sides
On January 24 2011 10:45 29 fps wrote:
Q8: pretty much all players only play offense or defense (one of them). some people play both, but it's very rare. you wouldnt want the QB to defend anyways. dont wanna risk more injury. offensive linemen are usually big fat guys. defensive linemen are usually fast people. not always, but most of them.
Q8: pretty much all players only play offense or defense (one of them). some people play both, but it's very rare. you wouldnt want the QB to defend anyways. dont wanna risk more injury. offensive linemen are usually big fat guys. defensive linemen are usually fast people. not always, but most of them.
On January 24 2011 10:50 SlimeBagly wrote:
Q8: Yes. Typically there are three 'teams,' offense, defense, and special teams, which handle punts, kick offs, etc.
Q8: Yes. Typically there are three 'teams,' offense, defense, and special teams, which handle punts, kick offs, etc.
On January 24 2011 11:48 Helios.Star wrote:
To add a little bit to Q8. There are also players who only play special teams also, aside from kickers and punters. A lot of these players are younger guys trying to make the defensive team, or return specialists who are VERY fast and do nothing but return kicks. Some teams will use their fastest overall player to return kicks, but a lot of the time this is also one of the stars and they dont want to risk injury (it happens more often when guys are running at each other full speed, like they do during returns.)
To add a little bit to Q8. There are also players who only play special teams also, aside from kickers and punters. A lot of these players are younger guys trying to make the defensive team, or return specialists who are VERY fast and do nothing but return kicks. Some teams will use their fastest overall player to return kicks, but a lot of the time this is also one of the stars and they dont want to risk injury (it happens more often when guys are running at each other full speed, like they do during returns.)
Q9:Are there a free online stream of nfl games available, for when I don't have access to a TV showing NFL?+ Show Spoiler +
Not all channel-packages contain the NFL-broadcasting channels in Sweden, so are there a stream available for free (outside of US (some broadcasting rights are limited outside of US - like some youtube vids and so on)
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On January 24 2011 12:16 jaminz wrote:
Q9: The website I use to watch football games online is www.firstrow.net It's a good streaming site for most sports, and has links to tons of online streams for games. For American football, you would go to the site, click the "American football" tab, and then click on the game you want to watch. Once you do this a list of streams will appear, and you can choose one you like.
Q9: The website I use to watch football games online is www.firstrow.net It's a good streaming site for most sports, and has links to tons of online streams for games. For American football, you would go to the site, click the "American football" tab, and then click on the game you want to watch. Once you do this a list of streams will appear, and you can choose one you like.
On January 24 2011 13:12 Dukat wrote:
I believe I might be able to help with Q9. The NFL realizes that there are fans who don't live in the US and cannot always watch the games. Thus they have set up their own streaming specifically for non-US residents (they wont even let me at the page without a proxy). Because I can't get at the page, I don't know if it is free or not. But you can check it out here: http://www.nfl.com/gameaccess and click on "Game Pass"
In addition to that, you can keep an eye on live play-by-play of every game on the website and they have tons of highlight videos.
I believe I might be able to help with Q9. The NFL realizes that there are fans who don't live in the US and cannot always watch the games. Thus they have set up their own streaming specifically for non-US residents (they wont even let me at the page without a proxy). Because I can't get at the page, I don't know if it is free or not. But you can check it out here: http://www.nfl.com/gameaccess and click on "Game Pass"
In addition to that, you can keep an eye on live play-by-play of every game on the website and they have tons of highlight videos.
Q10: Are you allowed to tackle with your legs, like a sliding tackle?+ Show Spoiler +
I never seen one in football so I guess it's not...
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On January 24 2011 12:04 Arccotangent wrote:
10. I'm pretty sure a leg tackle will be called a tripping penalty, so no it's not allowed I believe.
10. I'm pretty sure a leg tackle will be called a tripping penalty, so no it's not allowed I believe.
On January 24 2011 12:16 jaminz wrote:
Q10: You are allowed to tackle with your legs, but players in the NFL are not generally taught to do so. There is generally only one restriction on how you can tackle (you cannot attempt to hit a player with your helmet), but there are other restrictions on where you can hit another player. You aren't allowed to hit wide receivers or quarterbacks in the helmet for the most part (this is to help prevent head injuries) and you cannot hit quarterbacks below the knees (also to protect them).
Q10: You are allowed to tackle with your legs, but players in the NFL are not generally taught to do so. There is generally only one restriction on how you can tackle (you cannot attempt to hit a player with your helmet), but there are other restrictions on where you can hit another player. You aren't allowed to hit wide receivers or quarterbacks in the helmet for the most part (this is to help prevent head injuries) and you cannot hit quarterbacks below the knees (also to protect them).
On January 24 2011 17:24 drgoats wrote:
Q10 - Just to clear things up. I am pretty sure that you are not allowed to tackle with your legs. It is a tripping penalty. It is a rare call and might be why there is some confusion.
Q10 - Just to clear things up. I am pretty sure that you are not allowed to tackle with your legs. It is a tripping penalty. It is a rare call and might be why there is some confusion.
Q11:: When are the games over, often the game seem to be decided before the clock runs out and everybody starts to celebrate and walk onto the pitch?+ Show Spoiler +
Today, Steelers vs Jets, the Steelers had the lead and the ball, and delayed by kneeing (or what's it called) until, I think, about 28 seconds remained - then they started to celebrate and all when onto the pitch... What are the time limits everybody is waiting for, and how early do you start delaying (for say a seven-point lead) with kneeing?
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On January 24 2011 12:04 Arccotangent wrote:
11. When a QB kneels, the clock will start to run out. In your example, 28 seconds are left in the game. The play clock is 40 seconds, so basically after the kneel, both the play clock and the game clock start to run down. The game clock will run out first, so the play clock will not force Pittsburgh into another play. Also, the Jets had no more timeouts, which will stop the game clock but not the play clock.
11. When a QB kneels, the clock will start to run out. In your example, 28 seconds are left in the game. The play clock is 40 seconds, so basically after the kneel, both the play clock and the game clock start to run down. The game clock will run out first, so the play clock will not force Pittsburgh into another play. Also, the Jets had no more timeouts, which will stop the game clock but not the play clock.
On January 24 2011 12:16 jaminz wrote:
Q11: If the team that is winning at the end of the game has possession of the ball, then often times they will choose to kneel the ball to "run out the clock." This works because there is a play clock of either 45 (on a play where the clock doesn't stop) or 25 seconds (on a play where the clock does stop) of time that the team who has possession of the ball has in between plays. If there is less than that period of time on the clock, the game is essentially over as time will run out before they are required to run their next offensive play.
Q11: If the team that is winning at the end of the game has possession of the ball, then often times they will choose to kneel the ball to "run out the clock." This works because there is a play clock of either 45 (on a play where the clock doesn't stop) or 25 seconds (on a play where the clock does stop) of time that the team who has possession of the ball has in between plays. If there is less than that period of time on the clock, the game is essentially over as time will run out before they are required to run their next offensive play.
On January 24 2011 14:09 Rkie wrote:
Q11: Kneeling the ball is essentially a run play, or a QB slide. Since the QB is down, this means the play is over. The play clock has 0:40 seconds on it (the time limit between plays). Kneeling the ball happens only when your team is winning and there is no possible chance of the other team getting the ball back. There are 4 downs, and 3 can be used for a kneel without a turnover on downs. This adds up to (40x3) 120 seconds of allowed time on the play clock. 120 seconds is exactly 2 minutes, so when the winning team has the ball, with under 2 minutes left, they can kneel the ball. If the losing team has no timeouts left, and there is less than 40 seconds left in the game, no other plays need to be run, so it is over. This is why you see everyone on the field before time expires.
Here is the reason you want to kneel the ball when in this situation
Q11: Kneeling the ball is essentially a run play, or a QB slide. Since the QB is down, this means the play is over. The play clock has 0:40 seconds on it (the time limit between plays). Kneeling the ball happens only when your team is winning and there is no possible chance of the other team getting the ball back. There are 4 downs, and 3 can be used for a kneel without a turnover on downs. This adds up to (40x3) 120 seconds of allowed time on the play clock. 120 seconds is exactly 2 minutes, so when the winning team has the ball, with under 2 minutes left, they can kneel the ball. If the losing team has no timeouts left, and there is less than 40 seconds left in the game, no other plays need to be run, so it is over. This is why you see everyone on the field before time expires.
Here is the reason you want to kneel the ball when in this situation
Q12: What does the abbreviation "ST" stand for?+ Show Spoiler +
Caught this comment in the Superbowl XLV thread:
On February 11 2011 16:50 nemY wrote:
The only QB I might waver on in regards to being "Elite" (and I know I'll catch flak for this) is Philip Rivers. Yes he puts up astronomical stats. Yes he makes no-named WRs look like All Pros. Yes his ST screwed him out of the playoffs and yes he Hulk-Smashed the 49ers while sleeping, but I feel like he never puts it together during the playoffs.
/.../
The only QB I might waver on in regards to being "Elite" (and I know I'll catch flak for this) is Philip Rivers. Yes he puts up astronomical stats. Yes he makes no-named WRs look like All Pros. Yes his ST screwed him out of the playoffs and yes he Hulk-Smashed the 49ers while sleeping, but I feel like he never puts it together during the playoffs.
/.../
+ Show Spoiler [Q12] +
On February 12 2011 00:41 Sm3agol wrote:
ST = Special teams, punting the ball, kicking field goals, and kickoffs.
ST = Special teams, punting the ball, kicking field goals, and kickoffs.
Q13: Do the NFL really have a 7 month break? If so, do the players only have practice (and some holidyas I presume) during that time?+ Show Spoiler +
I caught this on wikipedia when trying to find a date for when I get to see american football again:
If the entire 2011 season is played as scheduled, it would begin on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at Lambeau Field, with the Super Bowl XLV champion Green Bay Packers as the host team; the last regular season games would be held on Sunday, January 1, 2012; the playoffs would then start on Saturday January 7, 2012; and Super Bowl XLVI, the league's championship game, on February 5, 2012 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
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On February 12 2011 00:41 Sm3agol wrote:
Yes, there is a quite long breaks in between seasons. They aren't allowed to practice most of that time, but most players will keep themselves in good shape and study game film and such during the off-season.
Yes, there is a quite long breaks in between seasons. They aren't allowed to practice most of that time, but most players will keep themselves in good shape and study game film and such during the off-season.
), they have a really young roster with some super amazing defenders like Brandon Flowers (CB), Tamba Hali (lineman), and Eric Berry (safety). They did well this year and look to be pretty good in a few years once they get it together. 
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