Ah, the old America vs the world sports debate.
Since it seems most of the non-American sports fans have the most difficulty in understanding the nuances of the other sport, I'll work from for that angle.
We've already heard of the strategy element involved but many are noting that it's too scripted. Only the initial play called is scripted. Once the ball is in the hands of the receiver or running back, it's all ad libbed from there. That player then makes decisions toward the 1st down marker, sideline, goal line, etc... based on factors such as defensive scheme, offensive blockers, game clock, etc.... There are also a larger number of rules at play that require a balance of aggression and restraint to keep from violating them. The Quarterback must read the defensive scheme at the line and either stick with the play called or call an audible which changes the play right there. The defense also has a play caller (but this can be a linebacker or safety instead of always just the 1 position like on offense) who calls out the defensive schemes and ensure proper player positioning and coverages. Both sides call plays based on field position, game clock/play clock, player positioning, score, etc...
You can't play American Football at a pro level without some intelligence due to the vast number of intricacies involved.
Soccer (or whichever moniker your nation uses) works much more like American Football once the receiver/running back has the ball - as in less of a script. Both sports take intelligence and fast thinking. Claiming one doesn't while the other does just shows how little of the other sport you know.
With regards to the rugby vs American Football full contact issue. Well, there isn't one. Any Rugby player that wishes to donate their body to the debate and play full contact American Football without pads would be treated with great respect and the best our healthcare or morticians can treat him with. Fighter pilots deal with up to 9 G's of force but NFL players experience impacts of 150 G's. I shouldn't need to explain what that kind damage an impact of that mangitude can do to your internal organs or bones without the pads so I think we all understand their necessity now.
| Metallicube said: I'm an American, and yet I can't really see the big deal people in this country see in football. There is far more standing around in huddles and making plays than actually PLAYING. Though the superbowl is sort of exciting to watch I guess. But soccer is even more boring IMO. Baseball > Basketball >>>>>> Hockey > Football >>>>>> Soccer |
Hang on....did you just knock American Football for its low volume actual gameplay and then state that Baseball was the best sport? Do you not understand the irony here? Consider how much actual play time is involved with a Baseball game. Less than half a second per pitch and then another 2-3 seconds after IF the player hits the ball. Now do the math to see how actual game time is spent versus actual clock time.
The rEVOLution is not being televised
