Need some help...

watch the line some, then see if the WR’s are gettin seperation, later watch the QB and see if he seems to be going through his reads. Is the LT letting anyone by? Are the guards pushing? just take turns

same thing on D

Even though I don’t do it I’ve heard some people like to mute their televisions and listen to the radio broadcast. If you can listen to the game on the radio the play by play guys usually do a fine job of setting up the situation so you can listen to that and just watch the action on the television.

When I watch a game I tend to watch the offensive formation then check out the defense. I’m not an experienced watcher of football I usually just follow the ball and see where it lands. If I missed something well, that’s why they have instant replay.

If you’re trying to see who you like, see if they can do their job effectively (ex: receivers getting separation, blocking down field, catching, etc.). If you’re trying to figure out what plays they should run, and whether or not they’re running the right plays, read up on formations and associated plays. Better yet, play some Madden, you’ll learn playbooks quickly enough that way. I personally think it’s all a waste of time, because regardless of what formation the defense is in, there are always a dozen plays they can run, so there’s really no reason to watch it from that perspective. If you’re just watching the game to enjoy it, just watch it like you are. After watching some games, you’ll have an idea of what teams are likely going to do in each formation.

I like to see G pulls(I thought we did a little too much pulling because as soon as someone pulled everyone could use that as a key that we were going to run. The same goes for when Freddy was in on early downs). I like watching chop blocks, or what the RB is doing in pass protection or in the flats or if he’s just chipping, does the RB look inside out in pass pro, Where is the fulback going and do the opposing LB’s follow him or the OL or even the QB/RB(spies maybe).
I like to watch WR’s get off the jam. When someone goes in motion I like to see if they are playing man to man presnap. I check to see if the Safeties are in the box.
I like watch DL line stunts and timing. Is the back side guy going flat in pursuit. Harvey does a good job of not doing that. I like to see invidual people get off blocks. I like to see run fits in the LB corp. CB’s and S’s in zone coverage are hard to see.
I watch QB helmets to see if they are making multiple reads, or if he sells PA’s and screens.
I often watch for 7 men on the line on offense, but at times I forget.
I often look for weaknesses in the opposing team. And strengths to avoid. I don’t think we avoided Shaun Rodgers enough last year, but he was unstoppable. I thought we tan really well against Javon Kearse, until they switched him out. A huge reason we fell apart in the second half of the second game when Fisher made his adjustment. I remember when people were clamoring trying to figure out what JDR did wrong and it was really something Fisher fixed.
I’d like to point out that Koetter is a genius. He is so good at using peoples’ strengths and finding other peoples weaknesses. Anyone else notice how good he made Pat White look in the Senior Bowl?
I can go on and on, but I’m asleep already. Maybe I’ll to the list tomorrow.

They can be an early look at the upcoming play. BTW the blitz is usually the Linebackers or cornerback moving into th pocket, trying to sack the Quarterback.

… all of us learn more about the nuances of the game. On the Monday night ESPN game we should have an option between two announce teams. One would be the usual entertainment-based show (although Gruden should be a huge upgrade), and the other would be a couple of guys who can really impart some of the subtle details. I’d love to have Tim Ryan and Pat Kerwin, for example (I’m sure you Sirius listeners agree) setting up the plays, analyzing the replays, manning the telestrator, etc. We’d all be so much more knowledgable. Bottom line: it’s in the NFL’s best interest for fans to understand the fine points of the game, so it’s only a matter of time before they give it to us.

Too bad Madden still isn’t on Sunday or Monday Night Football. I learned a lot listening to him disect plays. Hopefully Chris C. will be good.

wait wait wait… did i read correctly that not one of these replies included watching the cheerleaders at all? wtf, over? haha

Just takes a lot of watching bro. Personally, I’m fascinated by execution of plays and gameplans. I love watching good, hard nosed defense, especially schemes such as the 46 defense. And though I’m a defensive player in High School football, I might be even more enthralled with offense, especially and type of spread or flexbone option. The spread because it’s all about matchups and correct calls and reads. And the flexbone because of the combination of pure power, and a large element of beauty that many people don’t notice. I love to see 3rd and 20, with the defense in a Cover 2 deep shell. Quarterback makes the correct read, hits the skinny post, and converts the play.