Football Glossary

If you take one glance at an NFL defensive end, you’ll probably quickly pick up on why the offensive tackle spot is widely considered the most important spot on the offensive line. In the meantime, the guard spot falls under the radar, and out of the little spotlight that the offensive line has as it is. However, guards play an under-appreciated role in the architecture of every successful offense in today’s game of football, but still remain one of the most important offensive football positions. Combining the ability to take on mammoth defensive tackles, and pulling out on the edge...

Offensive lineman are the steady force behind each successful offense. When things are going smoothly, the skill players will receive the glory, and an offensive lineman is just fine with that. On the flipside, the offensive line unit is quick to receive blame when things aren’t going so well for the offense. Their job is crucial, and is unquestionably one of the most important offensive football positions, yet slow to be glorified by outsiders. Perhaps none more so than the offensive tackle, who is tasked with being on an island against an opposing team's best pass rusher all game. Positioned...

The Yankee concept is a pro-style concept that you’ll see a lot of NFL teams running on Sundays, but one that is applicable to offenses looking to spread teams out as well. Yankee is considered a “shot” play, as offenses are primarily looking for a way to get over the top of safeties in hopes of creating a big play. The post-dig combination stresses both safety and LB level players, as the QB looks to find downfield completions to two receivers staying on the move.  Overview & Purpose of the Concept The Yankee concept is often utilized by teams in...

How do you bring a lot of pressure on the quarterback, while still making sure everyone is covered?  One way defenses can do this is by running what's called "Cover 0" (Or Cover Zero- depending on how you want to spell it). Many coverages can be identified by the number of high safeties that are helping underneath coverage. So for example, in Cover 1, there is 1 safety over the top. In Cover 2 there are 2 safeties. Cover 0, there are 0. In the case of cover 2, or 3 - those are zone coverages. Cover 0 falls in...

It doesn't matter what offense your team runs- the running back is an extremely important position. Often one of the team's most athletic players, the running backs job has remained the same as the game of football has continued to evolve. Possessing many important jobs in an offense, below you’ll find why the running back is one of the most important offensive football positions.  What does a Running Back do? The primary responsibility of the running back is to run the football efficiently for the offense. Taking handoffs from the quarterback, it is his job to find positive yardage running...