Football Glossary

The 2022 NFL draft saw a record-breaking 6 wide receivers taken in the first 20 picks of the draft. And it’s clear to see – wide receivers are set to benefit more than any other of the offensive football positions in the game of football as offenses continue to shift to a pass-happy attack.Wide receivers are the ultra-important final piece of the puzzle in the passing game. As the offensive line gives the quarterback time to throw, it’s all for nothing if offenses don’t have reliable, explosive playmakers on the outside capable of burning a defense at any given moment....

Offensive lineman play arguably the most selfless and grueling position in all of sports. With no chance to impact the stat sheet, their job is solely based on protecting their offensive teammates working to score touchdowns – made possible from the work of their unit upfront. Their job is one that is praised within the walls of their locker room, and understood by those who have played the game. However, if you check NFL jersey sales, or see a post-game NFL interview, it is virtually promised that you will see the name of a glorified superstar at one of the...

Modern offenses in football place a high value on throwing the football, and utilizing speedy playmakers to generate successful football plays. With this being said, you may ask, where does the typically bigger, slower defensive tackle fit into the game of football? While the game evolves, the answer is unchanging, as defensive tackles play a critical role in stopping the run, and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their job is blue-collar and hard-nosed, and their effort is one that often doesn't match with flashy stats and recognition. Whether it’s swallowing up double teams, batting down a pass, or coming up...

Cover 2 is a very common zone coverage that is used to cover short breaking routes, while giving defenses 2 over the top safeties. How does Cover 2 work? Cover 2, is a zone coverage. In a 4-3 defense, there are 5 underneath players and two deep safeties. The two deep safeties divide the field in half and work over the top of the 5 underneath players. “Underneath” meaning that they cover short routes, which are run underneath the two safeties. In a 4-3 defense, your two corners, and three linebackers are the underneath players. Why do defenses use Cover 2?...

Are tight ends still a big part of the game? In the midst of offensive trends of spreading the field and throwing the football at a high rate becoming the new norm in football, the answer now more than ever, is yes. As we uncover below, tight ends arguably present the biggest matchup problem on the field for opposing defenses. Tall, strong, nimble and coordinated are a few of the many terms that describe tight ends in today’s game of football. Elite athletes with many responsibilities in an offense, you’ll see just why their unique blend of size and athleticism...