Learn Your NFL Football

NFL football just began and it’s quite a complex game. There’s lots of shouting, whistling, flags being thrown on the field and men with big standards showing where to huddle around the ball. If you don’t know the rules already, you’ll need to know your field goal from your touchdown, your fumble from your interception and your halfback from your nickel back. Here’s a rundown of the rules and an attempt to give you a good enough idea of what’s going on.

There are 11 men on each team when out on the field, one offensive and the other defensive. One team starts with the ball, and at this point they are on the offensive, trying to advance the ball down toward the end zone, either by running with it or throwing it using the quarterback. The team will endeavor to score a touchdown, the biggest single score in the game, giving them six points, or a field goal, giving them three points.

The other team’s goal is to stop the offensive team by tackling their players or intercepting the ball. The offensive team has four chances, or “downs,” to advance 10 yards, ultimately until they reach the end zone. If the offensive team scores or is forced to give up possession, the two teams switch roles and the defensive is now on the offensive and vice-versa. The game lasts for four quarters, and the spectator’s job is to drink, eat and shout until their team lets them down or advances to victory. Oh, and the nickel back position is far too complicated and requires further reading. Enjoy!