Stars and Legends: Linebackers

Today we continue our “Stars and Legends” series with a look at the best linebackers of the past and present in the NFL.  Once again, we can’t include everyone on these lists, and this one is not meant to be the final word on the greatest to play this position.  However, these are, at the very least, names every self-respecting football fan should know.  I’ve split this post into two parts:  today, we look at the Stars.

 Today’s Stars:

Patrick Willis (San Francisco 49ers, 2007 to present):  Willis attended the University of Mississippi and was drafted 11^th overall by the 49ers in 2007.  The Associated Press named Willis NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year that year.  In two of his first three seasons, Willis led the league in tackles.  After four seasons, he has compiled 595 tackles and 15 sacks.  He has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his four seasons in the NFL and has been selected to the Associated Press All-Pro* team three times (in 2008 he was named a “second team” All-Pro).

DeMarcus Ware (Dallas Cowboys, 2005 to present):  Ware attended Troy University and was drafted 11^th overall by the Cowboys in 2005.  Through the 2010 season, Ware has recorded 424 tackles and 82 sacks, leading the league in sacks in 2008 and 2010.  In the Cowboys record books, he owns four of the top five season totals in sacks.  Ware is also an extremely durable player in such a physical position on the field; he has started in 83 out of 84 games in his young career.  He has already earned five trips to the Pro Bowl and has been named an All-Pro three times (making the second team twice).

James Harrison (Pittsburgh Steelers, 2002 to present):  Harrison attended Kent State and was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted rookie in 2002.  Aside from drawing attention for making inflammatory statements about NFL Commission Roger Goodell and teammate Ben Roethlisberger this past offseason, Harrison has compiled fantastic statistics during his career in Pittsburgh.  Through the 2010 season, he had 488 tackles and 49 sacks.  He won NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the 2008 season, the first undrafted player to win that award.  Harrison has won two Super Bowls (XL and XLIII), been selected to four Pro Bowls and named an All-Pro four times.  He also owns the longest play in Super Bowl history:  a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII.

Ray Lewis (Baltimore Ravens, 1996 to present):  Ray Lewis attended the University of Miami and since he was drafted 26^th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 1996, he has helped build the Ravens defense into a league-dominating powerhouse.  He has a reputation for being a powerful leader and an intimidating opponent.  Lewis was on the Super Bowl XXXV championship team and earned the prestigious title of Super Bowl Most Valuable Player.  He’s been selected to the Pro Bowl an incredible 12 times, an NFL record for an inside or middle linebacker.  He also holds middle linebacker records for most games started, seasons played and interceptions return yards.  Lewis is also the quickest player to reach 30 sacks and 30 interceptions, accomplishing that feat in 204 games.

*Remember that the “All-Pro” selection means that the player is considered the best in his position that year by sports writers.

Trick and Treat: The Flea Flicker

In honor of Halloween, Naptime Huddle will run a new “Trick and Treat” series during October, profiling several trick plays in football.  Today we begin with my personal favorite, the “flea flicker.”

Trick plays are about misdirection.  The offense wants the defense to believe it is running a particular play when it will actually be using a completely different play.  The idea is that the defense becomes committed to what it believes the offense is attempting and is therefore unable to react in time to stop the actual play.  Of course, trick plays are seldom used because if the offense is unable to “sell” the misdirection, it is vulnerable to a huge loss of yardage and possibly a turnover.

The flea flicker is designed to make the defense think that the offense will run the ball instead of throw it.  The picture below depicts an offense (in red) in the “I” formation, with the quarterback (QB) behind the center, the fullback (FB) behind the quarterback, then the running back (RB, also called a “halfback”) directly behind the fullback. 

When the quarterback takes the snap, he hands it off or tosses it to the side or behind him (called a “lateral”) to another player, typically the running back.  In our example (with the defense not shown), the QB laterals the ball to the running back (the yellow line).  In the meantime, the other backs and receivers run their predetermined routes (shown by the black lines):

At this point it is very important to distinguish a lateral from a forward pass.  Under the rules of football, only one forward pass is allowed per play.  A “forward pass” is the act of throwing the ball toward or past the line of scrimmage, or “downfield.”  With a lateral, you send the ball to another player without using up your one forward pass.  It is critical, therefore, that the QB and running back use laterals in the first two movements of the ball so that the QB can legally throw the ball downfield to a receiver.

OK, back to our play.  Once the running back catches the lateral from the QB, he then runs with the ball either toward the line of scrimmage or parallel to it.  At the same time, the QB moves back from the line of scrimamge.  Before he crosses the line of scrimmage, the running back stops and turns back to face the quarterback.  He then laterals the ball back to the quarterback (yellow line):

Once the quarterback has the ball again, he then looks downfield for an open receiver (their running routes are shown in black) and throws the ball:

From the defense’s point of view, the play looks like a run.  Therefore, the defenders who would be covering the receivers will abandon their passing defense and move back toward the line of scrimmage to pursue the runner.  Defenders who would be rushing the quarterback will also divert their attention to the runner.  As a result, the quarterback has more time to look for a receiver and there is a greater likelihood that there will be a receiver open to catch the pass.  Of course, if the defense catches wind of what's going on, there is a good chance that the running back will be tackled for a loss before he can lateral the ball back to the quarterback, or the ball could be fumbled on one of the laterals.

Here is an example of a successful flea flicker executed by the New Orleans Saints:

Pop Quiz Part Deux Answers

So, how do you think you did on yesterday's quiz?  Look below for the answers:

1.       True or False:  A receiver must hold the ball with both hands for a catch to count.

FALSE:  The ball can be held in only one hand as long as the receiver clearly has control.

2.       What is the “plane,” and how do you break it?

The plane is the imaginary wall extending skywards from the front edge of the goal line; it is broken when any part of the football touches it.

3.       Which official on the field keeps the backup game clock?

The Line Judge

4.       True or False:  The ball has to travel at least 20 yards on a kickoff before it is legal for the kicking team to recover it and get possession.

FALSE:  The ball only has to travel 10 yards.

5.       A safety can be called against the offense when the quarterback commits an intentional grounding penalty in his own end zone.  What is another penalty that can result in a safety?

Holding, if it occurs in the end zone (usually by an offensive lineman).

6.       Who currently holds the following NFL records for a tight end:  most receptions in a single season, receiving yards, receptions, receiving touchdowns, consecutive starts and most seasons with more than 1,000 yards?

Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons

7.       True or False:  If the kick returner signals a fair catch but does not catch the ball, he may not block or contact an opposing player until the ball is touched by anyone.

TRUE; this is a 15-yard penalty.

8.       What is the name of the Redskins band leader who sold the rights to Hail to the Redskins to Texas oilman Clint Murchison?

Barnee Breeskin

9.       What former tight end, nicknamed “Wizard of Oz,” is currently the General Manager for the Baltimore Ravens?

Ozzie Newsome

10.   What are the three spots from which a penalty can be enforced?

The previous spot, the spot of the foul or the succeeding spot

BONUS:  What is it called when a drop of fudge holds a sphere shape when placed in a glass of water?

                The Softball Stage

Check your score against our grading scale:

0-2:  Fair Weather Fan  (You know we post more than recipes, right?)

3-5:  Equipment Manager  (I like my water with ice.)

6-8:  First Round Draft Pick  (You didn't look up the answers, did you?)

9-10:  Head Coach (Maybe you should write this thing!)

Jumping the Gun: Pre-Snap Fouls

If you have been watching football this season, you should have seen many instances by now where the offense and defense get in position at the line of scrimmage, the quarterback crouches down behind the center, begins his cadence and, just when the center snaps the ball, “TWEET!!!” yellow flags fly and the officials come running in, waving their arms to stop the play.

Not only do penalties at this point punish one of the teams, but they disrupt the flow of the game and can interfere with one team’s strategy.  For example, the offense may have been trying to get the next play off quickly before the defense can react to the last play or substitute fresh players.  Or, since a penalty stops the game clock, the offense could gain an advantage if it was out of time outs.

Today’s lesson is an introduction to the fouls that occur just before or at the snap, causing so much drama….   

1.  False Start:  We learned about this penalty when we discussed the offensive linemen.  All members of the offense, except for one player behind the line of scrimmage, are prohibited from making an abrupt movement once they are in a set position.  This abrupt movement must be one that can make the defense believe that the play has started.  The quarterback can actually commit a false start penalty if, as he calls the play signals, he makes any movement (like a strong head bob) that makes it look like the snap is about to happen.

2.  Too Many Players:  Each team is allowed only 11 players on the field at one time.   There are two fouls sprouting from this rule:  (1) having 12 players in the huddle; and (2) having too many players on the field when the ball is snapped.  You might be wondering why these are two different infractions.  After all, if there are too many players on the field at the snap, weren’t there too many in the huddle?  Not necessarily.  The teams might not huddle before a play.  Or, a player might have run onto the field at the last second before the snap, thinking that there weren’t enough players, or getting faulty instructions on the sideline.

3.  Neutral Zone Fouls:  The neutral zone is the space, measured as the length of the football, between the offensive and defensive lines before the snap.  No player on either team may be in the neutral zone before the ball is snapped.  There are three possible fouls that violate this rule (the first two are only called against the defense):

a.  Offside: This is when a defensive player crosses into the neutral zone before the ball is snapped and either does not get back to his side before the ball is snapped, or the movement prompts a member of the offense to commit a false start foul.  If the player is going to be able to reach the quarterback unabated (i.e., without being touched by an offensive player), the play is blown dead.  Otherwise, the officials will let the play continue and the offense can choose to accept or decline the penalty once the play is over.

b.  Encroachment: The foul is encroachment when the defensive player touches a player on the offense after crossing the line of scrimmage.

c.  Lining up in the neutral zone: Exactly what it sounds like—a player was in a set position inside the neutral zone.

4.  Delay of Game:  The offense must snap the ball before the 40-second play clock expires between plays.  If not, it commits a delay of game foul.  This is usually a 5-yard penalty, but if it occurs at the start of the game or the start of the third quarter, the penalty is 15 yards.  The defense can also be called for a delay of game if it appears that they are trying to prevent the offense from getting a play off in time (e.g., not letting a tackled player get off the ground).

5.  Illegal Procedure:  There are several fouls that fall under the category of “Illegal Procedure”:  illegal substitution; illegal motion; and failure to report change of eligibility.  Click here for a discussion of these infractions.

6.  Excessive crowd noise: If the officials determine that a crowd is causing so much noise that it interferes with the ability of the visiting offense to proceed with its play, the defense can be penalized with a loss of a time out or 5 yards if it has no more time outs.  As you can imagine, this violation is very rare. In fact, quarterbacks will probably refrain from complaining to officials about the noise, since this would only inflame the crowd more.

All of the above (except the delay of game foul, as noted) cost the violating team a 5-yard penalty.  Most of these fouls also stop the play either before or immediately after the snap.  However, the play will usually continue if the foul has been committed by the defense (except offside when the player is moving unabated to the QB), allowing the offense to have a “free play.”  When the play is over, the offense can then decide whether to accept the penalty against the defense; if the result of the play is more favorable than assessing the penalty against the defense, the offense will decline the penalty.

Pop Quiz, Hot Shot! (Part Deux)

So, think you’ve learned anything reading “Naptime Huddle”?  Here’s your chance to test yourself with our second ever pop quiz!  You’ll find the answers in the September posts:

1.       True or False:  A receiver must hold the ball with both hands for a catch to be "complete."

2.       What is the “plane,” and how do you break it?

3.       Which official on the field keeps the backup game clock?

4.       True or False:  Once the ball has traveled 20 yards on a kickoff, it is legal for the kicking team to recover it and get possession.

5.       A safety can be called against the offense when the quarterback commits an intentional grounding penalty in his own end zone.  What is another penalty that can result in a safety?

6.       Who currently holds the following NFL records for a tight end:  most receptions in a single season, receiving yards, receptions, receiving touchdowns, consecutive starts and most seasons with more than 1,000 yards?

7.       True or False:  If the kick returner signals a fair catch but does not catch the ball, he may not block or contact an opposing player until the ball is touched by anyone.

8.       What is the name of the Redskins band leader who sold Texas oilman Clint Murchison the rights to Hail to the Redskins?

9.       What former tight end, nicknamed the “Wizard of Oz,” is currently the General Manager for the Baltimore Ravens?

10.   What are the three spots from which a penalty can be enforced?

BONUS:  What is it called when a small amount of fudge holds a sphere shape when dropped in a glass of water?

Recipe Timeout: Cinnamon Snails

This week’s recipe is one I learned in sixth grade home ec class and I make it by memory and feel.  For that reason, you’ll notice that there are no measurements in the ingredients list; you’ll just have to plan based on how many you think you’ll make.  Sorry.  Despite that, these are incredibly yummy and easy (I thought I’d give you a break after last week’s recipe).  The kids can even help with the toothpicking and dipping!

Ingredients:

Whole wheat bread slices (each slice makes 3 snails)

Cream cheese

Melted butter (at least one stick worth), and a basting brush

Sugar and cinnamon, mixed (my guesstimate is about 1 teaspoon cinnamon per ¼ cup sugar)

 

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°. 

Spread desired amount of cream cheese onto one side of each bread slice.

Cut each slice lengthwise into 3 strips.  Roll each strip, with cream cheese on the inside, and secure with a toothpick. 

Bake for 10-15 minutes, until hot and toasted.

Melt butter while baking the snails so the butter will be nice and hot when they are done baking.  Brush each snail with the butter, then roll in sugar and cinnamon mixture.  Enjoy warm.

Make sure you save some for yourself… These snails will go fast!

NFL Week 4 Games to Watch

This week’s games to watch feature the two remaining “Unexpected Undefeateds,” a revenge game ten years in the making, and a QB hoping toprotect his pretty face.

Buffalo Bills (3-0) @Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) (Sunday, 1:00 PM ET on CBS): The start to the Buffalo Bills season is so incredible that their games will be included in the must-see list each week until they face their first loss. In addition to the curiosity of seeing how long Buffalo’s fairy tale can last, this week’s matchup also has some personality-driven drama since Buffalo’s QB-of-the-moment Ryan Fitzpatrick played for the Bengals in 2007 and 2008.

Detroit Lions (3-0) @Dallas Cowboys (2-1) (Sunday, 1:00 PM ET on FOX): NH will also be profiling Detroit’s games as long as they can continue the perfect start to their season. However, this week’s game against the Cowboys merits a spot on this list anyway. The Lions are running on all cylinders right now and the Cowboys have managed to win their last two in spite of themselves. With leadership and gutsy play, Cowboys QB Tony Romo has (painfully) lifted his team above their mediocre play to victory, but can the rest of the offense do its part?

New England Patriots(2-1) @ Oakland Raiders (2-1) (Sunday, 4:15 PM ET on CBS): This is the first time these two teams havemet since the infamous “Tuck Rule” play in the 2001 Divisional Playoff (I’ll have to do a post on this at some time). Let’s just say that the Raiders are still smarting from the outcome of that game and would love to get some payback. If the Patriots weren’t the Patriots, I’d say that they are still reeling from their stunning loss to the Buffalo Bills last week and are vulnerable against a Raiders team that’s playing like they’re actually taking themselves seriously this year. However, this is the Patriots and no other team in the League shakes off defeat (or victory) faster. I mean, they start preparing for next week’s game during the postgame shower. Look for the Patriots to be cool and collected and for the Raiders to try and put some hurt on Patriots QB Tom Brady.

New York Jets (2-1) @ Baltimore Ravens (2-1) (Sunday, 8:20 PM ET on NBC): So, you’re an NFL quarterback and you break your nose in a losing effort against the Oakland Raiders, a pretty physical team. Who would you least like to face the following week? Most, if not all, QBs would run for the showers, yelling “Aaaaaah! The Baltimore Ravens!” over their shoulder.   Well, that’s what Jets QB Mark Sanchez has to look forward to this Sunday night. This should be a good one, although the Ravens have more going for them than the Jets right now.   Linebacker Ray Lewis and the rest of the Ravens brutal defense will not be taking it easy against Sanchez, especially since the Jets will be using a rookie center because the starter, Nick Mangold, is out with a sprained ankle. The Jets need to improve their run defense (ranked 31^st out of 32 teams) if they can hope to contain Ravens running back Ray Rice, who’s having a decent season running and catching the ball.

Well, those are Naptime Huddle's must-see games for the week. Enjoy Week 4 everyone!