Offense Controls the Game

On Super Bowl Sunday, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees will both attempt to lead their offenses to victory. The goal of the Offense is to move the ball down the field to the defense’s end zone to score points. This team is referred to as having “Possession,” meaning that it possesses control of the football. The offense makes progress toward their goal by accumulating yards. This attempt to get more yards and move down the field is known as a “Drive.”

The offense has four chances to gain 10 yards. Each chance is called a down. If they are successful, they receive another set of four downs. This is signaled by a “First Down.” This continues until the offense scores or does not earn a first down and loses control of the ball giving the other team possession of the ball and the opportunity to start their drive.

Scoring on Offense.

The Offense scores when a player carries the ball into the end zone, catches the ball in the end zone, recovers a fumble in the end zone or the kicking team recovers a kickoff in the end zone. This is called a touchdown and worth 6 points.

Let’s take a look at the players who are on Offense:

1. Quarterback – Team leader. Decides and orchestrate the plays. Runs, hands off or throws the ball.

2. Center – Gives the ball (snap) to the quarterback and then blocks the defense.

3. Guards and Tackles – Holds the defense away from the quarterback and running backs.

4. Wide Receivers – Catch the ball from the quarterback.

5. Running Backs – Receive hand off from the quarterback.

6. Tight Ends – Block the defense and catches passes.

The offense also controls the game clock because they decide when the ball is snapped (play starts) and what the play will be. The score and the amount of time left in the game are a couple of factors that the offense considers to make a decision on which play to run. Typically running plays take more time than passing plays. Many times when the offense wants to move fast, they will call passing plays. This use of time is referred to as managing the clock. With all of this control, you may be thinking that the entire game will be based on what the offense does. Not so and you will see why tomorrow when I tackle the other side of the line scrimmage - Defense.

Ciao!

Heels & Helmets