American football can often be a challenging game to understand. Terms are precise, and language can be a barrier for new fans. One significant thing about the NFL is that teams have specialist players for offense and defense.
Unlike Soccer, where the same group of players play through every phase of the game, NFL teams have two different units for offense and defense. Both units will feature 11 players, but their roles and jobs are specific. Here is DAZN's breakdown of the positions on NFL offenses and defenses.
Offense
Quarterback: The leader of the offense who is tasked with calling and making plays, along with passing the ball. Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson are two of the best quarterbacks in the game right now.
Running back: Running backs line up either behind or alongside the quarterback. Renowned for speed and physicality, running backs are exciting players. Backs carry the ball and sometimes catch it as well. San Francisco 49er Christian McCaffrey is the best running back in the NFL.
Left tackle: The blindside protector of a right-handed quarterback, left tackles are arguably the most important of the five offensive linemen. The game requires the left tackle to protect the quarterback from defenders and clear blocks for a running back. World-class left tackles are some of the highest-paid players in the NFL.
Left Guard: The left guard is the interior protector on the left side of the offensive line. Their job is to keep the pocket clean in front of the quarterback. Left guards play inside left tackles.
Center: The center is the player that snaps the ball to the quarterback. They manage the offensive line with the quarterback, analyse the defense and communicate the quarterback's calls to the team. Centers play right in front of the quarterback.
Right Guard: Right guards guard the interior of the offensive line. They line up on the right of the center, and play the same role as the left guard.
Right Tackle: Right tackles bookend the offensive line. They align on the extreme right of the offensive line and protect the quarterback's front side.
Tight End: NFL coaches considered tight ends the sixth offensive linemen for a long time. However, the 21st century has changed that idea. Tight ends are now dynamic pass-catchers. They work in the middle of the field and line up alongside the five offensive linemen. Tight ends are much bigger than most players, and teams require them to catch and block.
Wide Receiver: Wide receivers are the rockstars of an NFL offense. They line up on the field's perimeter portions and are the passing game's focal point. Fast, tall, and powerful wide receivers are game-changing athletes capable of memorable plays. There are often three wide receivers on the field at any one point.
Defense
Nose Tackle: The nose tackle is the defender playing closest to the ball. Nose tackles are stout, strong players who win blocks and push the interior offensive linemen back. Nose tackles line up over the opposing center and set the tone for the defense.
Defensive Tackle: The defensive tackle plays next to the nose tackle and is a leaner, more athletic player. The defensive tackle's job is to win blocks and disrupt the quarterback.
Defensive End: The defensive ends play on either side of the defense. Unlike the tackles, the defensive ends want to win against the left or right tackle and race to the quarterback for a sack. Defensive ends line up on the end of the line and are the key players in pressuring the opposing quarterback. In a standard formation, two defensive ends will be on the field anytime.
Linebacker: Linebackers are the three defenders that line up behind the four defenders on the line of scrimmage. Linebackers must defend against the run and the pass. They often defend against tight ends on a passing play and must tackle well on a running play. Being fast, agile, and a strong tackler are the desired qualities of a linebacker.
Cornerback: Cornerbacks defend against wide receivers. Fast and rangy, the best cornerbacks possess an excellent IQ and are ultra-competitive. Two cornerbacks are always on the field and will line up against the opponent's two best wide receivers.
Safety: Like cornerbacks, there are always two safeties on the field. They line up in the deep part of the field and play almost like central defenders. Safeties must be aware of the deep passing plays, and tackle anyone that gets free. Moreover, they are the eyes of the defense and marshall the other players on the field.