The main difference between the offensive and defensive units on a football team is their objectives. The offensive unit’s responsibility is to move the ball toward the opposing end zone in an attempt to score points, while the defensive unit is expected to prevent the opposing team’s offensive unit from scoring points. Both units are comprised of 11 players at different positions, each of whom has specific assignments.
Offensive Unit
A football team’s offensive unit is made up of a quarterback, running backs, offensive linemen, a tight end and wide receivers. The offensive line consists of a center, two guards and two tackles. Often, the tight end is included in this group of offensive players, but he also is required to catch passes. Wide receivers are the players given the task of running routes in an attempt to break free from defenders so the quarterback can throw them the ball. The halfback and fullback, collectively known as running backs, run with the ball from the line of scrimmage in an attempt to gain yardage, and they also can catch passes from the quarterback. The quarterback is the player through whom each offensive play runs. He either hands the ball to a running back or throws the ball to a wide receiver or tight end on each offensive play. Occasionally, he may run the ball himself.
Defensive Unit
The defensive unit of a football team includes defensive backs, linebackers and defensive linemen. The defensive back corps includes safeties and cornerbacks who are expected to prevent wide receivers and running backs from breaking free to receive passes from their quarterback. Linebackers come in inside, middle and outside varieties and are the middle defenders who protect mainly against short pass and running plays. Defensive linemen include ends and tackles, each expected to stop running plays and put pressure on the opposing quarterback by chasing him down. Often, linebackers are also called upon to put pressure on the quarterback in the same manner as a defensive lineman, which is called a blitz. Safeties and cornerbacks also occasionally blitz from their positions, as well.
Coaches
On a football team, coaches are given responsibilities that pertain to the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. An offensive coordinator is an assistant coach who is responsible for every aspect of a team’s efforts to put points on the board, while the defensive coordinator is another assistant coach who is responsible for stopping the opposing team from scoring. Each position on a football team, offensive or defensive, has a coach that’s given the task of teaching players the specifics of their position.
Statistically Speaking
On most organized football teams, statistics are kept to track how well a team and its individual players are performing. Offensive statistics are kept in several categories, including passing, receiving and rushing. Passing statistics indicate how often a quarterback throws the ball, how often a pass is completed and how many cumulative yards his passes account for. Receiving statistics track how often a player catches a ball and how many yards cumulatively are gained as a result of his receptions. Rushing statistics report how often a player runs with the ball and how many yards result from those carries. Defensive statistics include tackles and interceptions, which indicate how often a player tackles a ball carrier and how many opposing quarterback passes he intercepts. A sack, which is when a quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage, also is a key defensive statistic.
References
- ESPN: FBS (Division I-A) Statistics - 2011
- Football 101; Players and Positions -- The Offense; Mark Lawrence; August 2005
- Football 101; Players and Positions -- Defensive Ends and Linebackers; Mark Lawrence; November 2006
- Football 101; Players and Positions -- Cornerbacks and Safeties; Mark Lawrence; August 2005
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