Now that both the NFL and college seasons are in full swing, chances are you find your husband in his recliner watching his favorite team each weekend. You may only know football players from reports on E! about who they are dating (aren't Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson so cute?!). Here are a few details about the game of football that will keep you interested in more than just seeing if Jason Taylor is as smooth on the field as he was in ballroom dancing!
Here are the basics (for you true football fans, I'm just giving the basics!)
- The Teams- You have twenty-two players on the field, eleven for each team. The team who has the ball and is trying to score is the offense. The team defending their end zone is the defense. There are also special teams players who come out when the ball is kicked (kick off, punt, or extra point attempt).
- The Field- It is one hundred yards long and marked off in ten yard sections. There is an end zone at each end, with a goal post.
- Playing- Each team has four chances to get ten yards closer to their opponent's end zone. These are numbered and called downs. You will often hear, "First and ten!" That means this is their first chance to go ten more yards. The lower the second number the better for the offense. "Second and two" is better than "Second and fifteen."
- Scoring- A touchdown is worth six points. After a team gets a touch down, they can kick the extra point (one point) or "go for two" by running or
throwing it in. A field goal is worth three points. Rarely, a team will tackle their opponent who has possession of the ball in their own end zone. This is called a safety and is worth two points. - Penalties- Penalties are assessed on anything from too many players on the field to a player just being in the wrong spot. It's hard to keep up with all the rules. You can enjoy the game without knowing all the details of penalties.
You may never love football or have your own fantasy team, but learning a little about the game may show your husband how much you love him. And, if nothing else, you could try out new recipes that go great with watching the game, like this one for pumpkin dip I'm going to fix for Monday Night Football next week!
Do you like watching football with your husband? Any recipes for football food to share? Check out the forum!
Sandra actually does enjoy watching football with her husband and two young sons. She blogs with friends over at Today's Housewife.
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I'm not a fan of Professional football (probably because we don't have a pro team in Nebraska). Here it's all about the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers – Having lived with two football fanatics for the past 20 years I've learned to love watching the Husker games on Saturdays. I think I've learned a lot about the game through "osmosis" – and having patient people explain penalties ie: off sides – false start, etc. Anyway, it's fun to get the family together, watch the games and make and consume some great food!
Trish