Football Fact

DYK/ Football Fact:

Offense:

Similar to the Defense, the Offense is divided into three groups, Offensive Linemen, Offensive Receivers and the Offensive Backfield.

Again, similar to the defense, there are 11 offensive players on the field at a time, but the actual number from each group changes depending on the formation. The offensive formation (the way the players are lined up before a play) changes before each play, but must have seven players lined up across the field on an imaginary line extending from the football. this imaginary line is referred to as the line of scrimmage. The formation can give clues as to if the offense plans on running the ball (when the Quaterback runs up the field with the ball or hands it to a Running Back to do the same) or passing the ball (when the Quarterback throws the ball to a Receiver).

Up front and center, the Offensive Linemen (Tackles, Guards and Center) must protect the Quarterback and keep the defense from breaking through the line, and to create a hole if it is a running play. It is also the Center’s job to snap the ball to the Quaterback. Our first string offensive linemen are Jared Gaither, Ben Grubbs, Matt Birk (center), Chris Chester and Michael Oher.

Next, on the outside of the Offensive Line, you have the Receivers (Wide Receivers and Tight Ends). Their job role depends on if a running play or a passing play is called. If a running play is called, their job is block the defense and if it is a passing play they need to sprint to their pre-determined field position, lose their defender and catch the ball, all while keeping both feet inbounds. Our first string Receivers are Mark Clayton, Derrick Mason & Todd Heap.

Lastly, behind the line of scrimmage, our Offensive Backfield (Quarterback, Fullback & Running Back). The roles of the three Offensive Backfield players vary greatly. It is the Quarterback’s (Joe Flacco) job to call the play and either hand the ball off to the Running Back or the Fullback or pass it to a Receiver. The Running back’s (Ray Rice's) job is to run the ball through the hole created by the Offensive line. The Fullback’s (Le’ron McClain) job is the same as the Running Back, but they are also a blocker. So in a way, the Fullback is a hybrid of a lineman and a running back. Again, with such a large roster, only starters are listed here; for a complete listing of our offensive players, go to the daily updated depth chart:

Check back next month for details about Special Teams.