By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close
Hephaestos said:
I like the RTS / turn based analogy.

In US football, the blockers block the assigned player, the runners run the assigned course, the catchers too... really the only thinking head is the QB, it's an army under the comand of a general.
In soccer, there are plays and tactics too, but they are not as strategic... however, the courses are decided by the players, the positioning too. You can have a playmaker, but he has to watch the game, not rely on what is planned. Soccer requiers actual thinking.

Saying your godly QB can think 4 moves ahead just shows how scripted US football is, there is a lack of individuality for the players.
Soccer cannot be done this way, a team only runs well when you have players that thinks and analyse the filed every second.

The other difference is that besides for the QB, what makes the quality of a football player is his physical ability... in soccer, there are many examples of physically lacking people that can compensate with skill and quick minds... and these have one of the most enjoyable football to watch (think small argentinian men....).

In any case, having played extensively US football, rugby and soccer, I can tell you that although it's fun to crush a guy with sheer physical strengh or catching a perfect pass, it's much more satisfying to be part of a well oiled play that just came from the quick thinking of 3-4 players. (one could argue that rugby can fit this description as well). Now if you're a QB yourself, then I can understand that you prefer US Football... you're the star and the one that decides, it's fun.

Someone's never heard of an option.

Your description of American football is extremely oversimplified. Peyton can predict 4 plays ahead because he can read defenses better than most. What they are doing isn't "scripted" aside from those on the offensive and defensive lines. Every other position requires extremely quick decision making skills. For example, a wide reciever on a sideline pass, in addition to making the decision based on the option, will also have to try and fool the defender to have much chance of catching the ball, and if it's close to the sideline it will take a concious decision to catch that ball in a way his toes at least scrape the grass in bounds.

For a running back any number of quick decisions have to be made on any given play. Same with a tight end. Reading the blitz can, to some extent, be handled by the quarterback, but if he misses the blitz it's up to the backs to pick realize that and pick it up. On defense you have to deal with play fakes, options, false blitzes and real blitzes, single/double coverage, etc. On special teams you have all the punting options and return configurations.

All of these are the kinds of decisions you can't plan for. Things that have to be adjust in an instant during play.

Also, I prefer playing soccer to every other sport as well. I just prefer watching football.