There are 11 players who start a football game on offensive and 11 who start on defense. There also are 11 starters on special teams. Unlike many sports, reserve players are heavily utilized in football. Depending on down and distance, different packages are used and players shuffle in and out of the game. Most starters get the bulk of the playing time, but teams with the best depth usually emerge victorious.
Offensive Starters
The starting quarterback is the most high-profile position in sports. The quarterback runs the offense, passes the football, hands it off and runs. The starting offensive line consists of the center, who snaps the ball to the quarterback, two guards and two tackles. The line blocks the defense. Most offenses use two running backs, or one running back and one fullback. There are two wide receivers who catch passes. The tight end holds the final starting spot and is responsible for blocking and catching passes.
Defensive Starters
The standard defense features four linemen: two ends and two tackles. The defensive line takes on the offensive line's blocks. Tackles key on the running game, and the ends also make tackles and rush the quarterback. Three linebackers play behind the linemen, two on the outside and one in the middle. The linebackers stop the run and cover wide receivers on shorter pass routes. Four players start in the defensive secondary. Two cornerbacks play on either side of the field and two safeties play in the middle. The defensive backs defend wide receivers and also move up and make tackles on running plays.
Special Teams
Special teams play on kickoffs, punts and field goal attempts. Football teams have starting kickers, starting field goal kickers and starting punters. There also are starting kickoff and punt returners. Most special teams starters play on the line and are responsible for blocking and tackling. On field goal attempts, the holder receives the snap from center and sets the football up for the kicker.
Package Players
Football offenses and defenses employ a variety of specialized packages, with different starting players. When a big play is needed, the offense can bring the fullback and tight end off the field and add two more wide receivers. On defense, one starting defensive lineman or linebacker is pulled for an extra defensive back in obvious passing situations. This is a nickel package: five defensive backs. A dime package adds a sixth defensive back and subtracts another lineman or linebacker.
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