Looking forward to the Seattle Seahawks battling on the ailing Oakland Raiders the first of three NFL London games this season – but not completely sure why the favourite sport of our friends across the Atlantic looks like 22 men running into each other and falling over? Fear not. GQ is on hand to take you inside the huddle and explain American football positions on both sides of scrimmage. Hut!
Generals on the field
Offense: the quarterback
The most recognised position on the team. They take orders from the coaches but can change the plan just seconds before the snap. Play starts when the center (see below) gives them the ball. Typically, the QB will then either throw downfield to a receiver, hand off the ball to a running back or run the ball themselves. A good QB keeps a calm demeanour when the bullets are flying.
Fun fact: QB Tom Brady of the New England Patriots was not the first choice the year he was drafted from college. He was the 199th pick and has since won the Superbowl a record five times.
Defense: the linebackers
Linebackers must be able to stop the running back (see below) but also cover potential passing game targets downfield when the QB throws the ball. Amazing athletes with good size and speed, they are often the biggest hitters on a team. A linebacker must have good instincts to diagnose a play and have the desire to race to the football and make the tackle.
Fun fact: Linebacker Shaquem Griffin joined his twin brother, Shaquill, at the Seattle Seahawks this year. He is the first amputee to be drafted to the NFL.
Meet the playmakers
Offense: the wide receiver
The wide receiver is usually the team's fastest receiver. These are the guys out on the edge who run around, catch the passes and score the touchdowns. The wide receiver runs pre-assigned routes and his job is to catch the ball, but he will also block during a running play.
Fun fact: New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr is one of the biggest stars in the NFL and known for spectacular one-handed catches and eclectic fashion tastes.
Defense: the cornerback
The primary role of the cornerback is to cover the wide receiver on passing plays. They are the receiver’s shadow and can also catch the ball when it is in the air – this is called an interception and usually brings about a major shift in a game's momentum. The cornerback must be fast and athletic, but also tough enough to make a tackle.
Fun fact: Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman has a notorious rivalry with Odell Beckham Jr and is close friends with Manchester United star Paul Pogba.
Offense: the running back
The running back is a versatile player who is expected to catch passes, block to protect the QB, but mainly take the ball and run downfield. They need to have good vision to find holes in the defense and score touchdowns.
Fun fact: London-born running back Jay Ajayi – currently out for the season through injury – is a die-hard Arsenal fan.
Defense: the safety
Most people think of a safety as the last line of defence and that is true. Sometimes they have to come closer to the line of scrimmage, like a linebacker, and make tackles, but they are mainly needed to defend deep balls thrown downfield. Safeties are the guys you want to make the big plays on defense.
Fun fact: Safety Earl Thomas led the infamous Seattle Seahawks' "Legion of Boom". Once known for its hard-hitting style, the Seahawks' defense has dwindled since losing to the Patriots in the 2014 Super Bowl.
On the line of scrimmage
Offense: the center, guards and offensive tackles
The job of the five offensive linesman is to open holes for the running back, but it is also vitally important to protect the QB and, on passing plays, create a "pocket" for him to throw the ball from. They must communicate well with each other and make sure they all know their blocking assignments. It is the center's job to hike the ball to the QB at the start of each play.
Fun fact: The left tackle protects the "blind side" of a right-handed quarterback and is one of the most important positions in the NFL. Infamous left tackle Michael Oher was the subject of the Oscar-winning film The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock.
Defense: the defensive tackle
NFL quarterbacks are the crown jewels, and it is the job of the defensive tackle to knock them off that throne. To be a good tackle, you need to have intensity, you need to have great hands and you need to fight through trash.
Fun fact: Defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles Fletcher Cox is the 6ft 4in, 310lb lynchpin of his team.
Offense: the tight end
This is a position that is always changing. They are heavily involved in the passing game, but traditionally the tight end is attached to the line of scrimmage and involved in the running game. A tight end must be able to act like an extra blocker on the line and a receiver to catch passes downfield. The tight end is stationed next to the tackle and must be bigger and stronger than most receivers.
Fun fact: Former England rugby sevens captain Alex Gray is currently a tight end with the Atlanta Falcons.
Defense: the defensive end
These are the largest men on defense, because their job is to stop the running back and pressure the QB. To be a good DE needs quick reactions and good technique and work ethic. They have to go out and get it. Apart from an interception, sacking the QB (taking him down before he hands off the ball) is what the defense are there to do, and although it's always a team effort the DE just must be in the right place at the right time.
Fun fact: JJ Watt of the Houston Texans is arguably the best defensive end in the NFL. He raised more than $37 million for the city after Hurricane Harvey.
Seattle Seahawks play Oakland Raiders at Wembley ot 6pm on Sunday 14 October.
Like this? Now read:
Shaquem Griffin: 'My family never let me make excuses – especially because of my hand'
Jonny Bairstow on family, The Ashes and omelettes
Larry Holmes: 'Muhammad Ali was crazy... but I loved him'
Andrew Flintoff on The Ashes, battling depression and being the next James Bond
