Understanding NFL

I am not a fan of NFL at all. However, I have tried to educate myself in a limited fashion in order to see the attraction that others see in the game and to understand any games that I may wish to view that involve Hayne.Of course this process has taken me down the path of examining the history of the game, which naturally was college based and had an origin where the rules basically emerged from rugby. Different colleges played different games/rules and American Football rules emerged from compromises made so that these schools could begin to play against each other in games where death would be less likely to occur. Yes, death was a major concern.The forward pass is an interesting development. It was not really a rule or feature of the game until the early 20th century and was pretty much pioneered by Notre Dame College and their success using it as a major attacking weapon pretty much set the ball in motion for others to explore its benefits.So what is the rule?As I understand it, one forward pass is allowed per down. However, unlimited backward passes (called laterals) are permitted. If I'm wrong on this please correct me. Obviously the percentage play policy of the coaches means that multiple passes are rarely used, yet it can occur. Check out the following touch down clip from you tube:https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=35TLx-pGGPUImagine the game of NFL with greater use of this.So, maybe this blog could be used for people to pose questions about that game that confuse us. I'm mainly thinking about the "why did that just happen" type of questions that may arise from watching Hayne play. The NFL experts here could then answer. (I am certainly not one of those people!)From a personal perspective, I don't understand the attraction of a game that seems little more than coaches playing chess on a grid marked field.

Replies

Craig Bridger September 26, 2015 at 8:16am

One thing I noticed last week sixties, was when the 49ers scored a TD in the second half, rather than go for the one point conversion, they took a further pass for a TD & scored 2 points. WTF was that about??
- Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 > Craig Bridger September 26, 2015 at 8:22am
  
  It's allowable Craig. Most teams take the goal, but like miatch said, it depends on the scoreline.
  
  I also remember the NRL trial a similar rule in a Indigenous game.
- qldeel > Craig Bridger September 26, 2015 at 4:38pm
  
  They were going to get rid of the extra point but decided to take the extra point further out. That's why teams are more likely now to go for 2. Especially if there's a big head wind.
- SuperEel 22 > Craig Bridger September 26, 2015 at 6:07pm
  
  Just to clarify here with the two point conversion. Upon the scoring of a touchdown, the scoring team is offered to either attempt an extra point conversion from right in front, which these days is what most sides do. Or, if the scoring team wants to close a bigger gap, they'll opt to go for the two points. Essentially in this situation they have one play to score in the end zone. If a pass is incomplete or receiver is tackled short of the line, the play is over and the conversion has failed.
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 September 26, 2015 at 8:19am

Ball security is of ultimate importance for teams have unlimited tackles as long as they make 10 yards in 4 downs. That's why you don't see lateral passes.

And that's the reason Hayne's fumble was extremely crucial, and could easily cost a team the match.

I love the professionalism concerning each player's route on each play to within millimeters. The crowds are unbelievable. Cheerleaders are unbelievably hot :).
This reply was deleted.
- sixtiesboy September 26, 2015 at 9:36am
  
  From what I've read, this emphasis on possession meant that it took a while for even the forward pass to gain widespread use. It was all about the handoff to a running back. I've seen vision of plays where something akin to a run around is used after a pass, with the player sometimes passing to a team mate or sometimes throwing the dummy (or whatever they call it - a fake?). It's just seems that their emphasis on percentage and precision detracts from it as a game, from the perspective of the unexpected.
sixtiesboy September 26, 2015 at 9:38am

Is that one play to get across the line to receive two points? Did I read somewhere that they had considered removing the kick conversion due to the high percentage for success?
northcoast eel September 26, 2015 at 9:39am

What gets to me is the stoppages. 2 mins can last an hour! Also the 'special teams'. Guys who kick (or punt) and that is all they do. And all those yellow flags! Penalties for holding, which in defense trying to stop someone getting to your quarterback I thought you would definitely do. And unnecessary roughness? WTF is that? Thought it was a contact sport. Also the stupid way the players carry on if they sack the quarterback, make the 1st down, tackle someone, catch a pass, intercept! Dumb dances and headbutting teammates! Thats America though.
- northcoast eel > northcoast eel September 26, 2015 at 10:17am
  
  Agree Brett. I just don't understand the, for lack of a better word, showmanship involved. O.k you sacked the quarterback, o.k you got that 1st down, o.k it was a great punt return. But the stupid dances and way they carry on with each other? Maybe just me though. I do understand the appeal though.
sixtiesboy September 26, 2015 at 9:41am

Do you mean eligible to receive a forward pass? Have you looked at the YouTube clip that I attached? Aren't there more than 6 players catching and passing in that?