It’s no secret that the NFL is one of the most exciting sports leagues in the world. And, the foundation of that excitement lies in the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and the many other positions that combine to make an NFL team. When it comes to the NFL, positions are everything – they’re the basis for skill sets and even the salaries of the players. As a lifelong fan of NFL, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricacies, complexities and importance of each position.
Quarterbacks are the head honcho of a team. They’re oftentimes the most expensive and highest paid players on a team. They’re the decision-makers, the ones who have to decide if they’ll pass or run the ball. They usually lead their team in passing yards and passing touchdowns and are the most important player on the field. So, when it’s time to win, they’re the ones who have to make it happen.
When I think of running backs I think of power, strength and footwork. They’re the workhorses of a team. They’re the ones that usually do the dirty work when it comes to carrying the ball and taking the hits. They’re tasked with picking up as many yards as they can and often bear the brunt of the punishment.
Receivers are some of the most agile and skillful players on the team. They have to have a perfect combination of body control, sure hands and excellent route running ability. They’re tasked with catching the ball, running efficient routes and blocking for their team. It’s no surprise that they can rack up a ton of yards and touchdowns.
Tight ends are oftentimes the most versatile players on the team. They’re required to block, catch passes and sometimes even take a handoff as well. They’re the ones that bridge the gap between the offensive and defensive lines. They must possess the ability to make receptions while absorbing a massive amount of hits.
Offensive and defensive linemen are the big men on the team. They’re tasked with holding the line, creating space and protecting the quarterback. They have to be stronger than the opposition and take on punishing blocks. They’re the ones that open up the running lanes and disrupt the opposing team’s defense.
Move further away from the line of scrimmage and you enter into the defensive backfield— a place I like to call the center of the defensive universe. Cornerbacks and safeties are responsible for defending the deep balls, knocking down passes and stopping the run. They can either be lockdown cornerbacks or ball-hawking safeties who’ll patrol the back of the field and break up passes.
Last but not least, special teams. Somewhere along the line nearly everyone on the team is asked to kick or punt the ball. This position requires the precision of an infielder, the strength of a lineman and the running ability of a wide receiver, all in one. These players have the potential to win or lose a game with one well placed kick.
There are other positions such as the offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, but when most people think of the NFL, they think of the players on the field, and the seven positions I’ve just discussed in detail are the foundation of an NFL team.
When I think of a well-rounded NFL team, I think of a team that has a balance of power on the offensive and defensive side, with great special teams and an overall team chemistry that all the players can build upon. That’s when a team has the potential to take the next step and make a deep run in the playoffs.
But, in order to truly be a great team, there must be a certain level of cohesion between the players on each position. Players must work together, put in the extra efforts in practice, film study and conditioning. Then, the team must use the talent each player brings to the table in order to put together a winning game plan.
Everyone on a team has a role and it’s up to the coaching staff and players to maximize each individual’s abilities. If that happens, chances are they can build something special. It’s no surpise that the teams that have the best chemistry and work the hardest usually have the most success.
Of course, there’s also skill and raw talent that can’t be overlooked. So, to me it seems that talented players must find a way to gel with their teammates and work together like a well-oiled machine in order to make it to the Super Bowl. That’s when I believe the most talented team will shine and put on a show worthy of those seven positions.
Another important factor, in my opinion, that makes a great NFL team is its leadership. It’s usually up to the quarterback and the head coach to lead the team in the right direction. They have the unenviable task of keeping everyone focused and motivated, and that’s why they are weighed upon the most when the team is struggling. I believe just like the seven positions, strong leadership is crucial to the team’s success.
But, perhaps the most important factor in a team’s success is their collective will to win. No matter how talented or well-rounded a team is, without that killer instinct and desire to win, I don’t think they can go very far. That’s why coaches usually preach about the importance of mental toughness and motivate their team through various approaches.
Structure and strategy are only two pieces of the puzzle. Real success only comes when the players are able to execute their responsibilities within the framework of the playbook. That’s what separates the good teams from the great ones and is why each position on an NFL team is so important.
No matter how much talent a team has, without the seven vital positions working in perfect harmony, it’s almost impossible to win in the NFL. Each and every player has to do their job, from the star quarterback to the kick returner. That’s why coaches, scouts and GMs comb over teams in the draft and spend hours studying game film. Because every position is important and they all must be ready to fulfill their responsibilities when the time comes.