Starting the game Part 2

We’ve reviewed the basics of the game and the offensive line, and in this issue we wrap up the series with defense and special teams.

Defense exists to stop the other team from scoring by tackling their runners, deflecting passes, or making a player on the other team fumble (drop the ball). The best thing the defense can do is making the offensive team lose control of the ball, usually by intercepting a pass targeting a player on the other team. This is called a turnover and the ball is now in the possession of the defensive team and they will now bring out their offense to try to score. If your team can’t stop the other team from scoring, they stand a good chance of losing the game, so it’s all about the defense baby!

The defense team has the following key positions:

Defensive Tackle
Depending on the defense strategy, one or two defensive tackles play. These guys on the defensive line are responsible for stopping the offensive charge. The right tackle generally has the tight end alongside of him, so he’s operating in a more confined area and he’s generally going against the strongest run defender (of the two defensive ends) but the weaker pass rusher. The left tackle is generally going against the speed rusher, a guy whose responsibility is to rush the quarterback. He’s generally operating with a lot more room because there’s no tight end on his side.

Defensive Ends
The bookends of the defensive line, these guys stop the outside running game of the offense and fight through blockers, rushing the quarterback to get a sack. There are always two defensive ends and their main goal is to sack the quarterback! Defensive ends are usually a little smaller and faster than defensive tackles.

Linebackers
These guys need to be versatile and tough to stop both running and pass plays. Linebackers are the big guns and they line up a few yards behind the tackles and the ends. During a blitz they will rush the quarterback.

Cornerbacks
Lined up opposite the wide receivers, cornerbacks stop the running game and cover the receivers along with the linebackers. There are usually two cornerbacks.

Safeties
Lined up 8-10 yards from the line of scrimmage the safeties are responsible for extra support in pass coverage to prevent the offense from gaining long yardage and are the last line of defense. Usually two safeties play. Free safeties are often not assigned to cover a particular player and are free to follow the play wherever it goes. Strong safeties cover the tight end on passing plays.

The Special Teams
Special Teams are responsible for kicking a ball or returning a kicked ball from the other team, and are frequently labeled kicking teams, or receiving.
• Kickoffs — start the game; start the second half; start play after team scores.
• Field-Goal Attempt — an effort by the offensive special team to score 3 points by kicking the ball between the goal posts.
• Punt — an exchange of possession in which the offensive team tries to pin the ball in the defensive team's end of the field.
• Kick Returns — after the receiving team attempts to catch the ball and advance as far as possible toward the opposite end zone.

Now you have the basics! To have more fun with the game try:
• Listening to the lingo used by announcers and "Joe Football" sitting next to you!
• Listening to stories told before and after the game by avid fans!
• Pick one team and a few players to follow and watch them for the entire season, no matter how painful it gets.
• Learn what team are your teams’ longstanding rivals and hate them with a passion!
• Attend a game in person and try a pregame tailgate party!