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Okay I posted this in the sports column, but its worth posting here as well, lets try and not turn this into a series of nationalist or inter-continental rants based on sports eh? (not likely I know)

This is interesting, the Miami Dolphins are playing the New York Giants in Wembley Stadium in London, England this weekend. Now I have actually heard the names of these 2 teams mentioned in the past so they must be big (right?) and this is actually a competetive match in the American football league. The match has been sold out, which shows that there is still a large hard-core base of this sport in Britain. Now of course like most men on this side of the atlantic "soccer" (or just unhyphenated football) is my game. But obviously Americans are hugely passionate about this game, and friends who have spent time in America say that the game is not as crap as we generally believe as when you get into it you realize that the players have a lot of skill and power, (especially the guys who throw the long balls and the lads who catch them and score touch downs) its very tactical and strategic, and its staged in a very spectacular fashion. I don't really get it, but quite a few people in Britain seem to enjoy it, so do people think that the sport might catch on at least in a limited way in Europe??



Oh and what does the quarterback do? Is he like a fly half in rugby? And what do you call the lads who try to catch the ball and score touchdowns?

Oh and far more importantly, are Villa going to beat bolton, what about this new Spurs manager, and who the hell are we going to get to manage the Republic of Ireland squad after the total disaster that was steve staunton (groan).

Oh and a few more questions about this American Football thing for our American cousins.

How many men are on a team?

Whats the biggest team in the league?

How long does each game last, I remember watching a bit of a superbowl and it went on for about 4 hours or something??

How many people can be brought on as substitutes or can you bring people on as you need them?

Why do they have all the stops?

Can the manager or coach or whatever you call them talk to the players on the pitch?

Are there any referees on the pitch? I can't remember seeing any.

How many points do you get for a touchdown?

Do you get points for kicking the ball through the goal posts??

Another set of questions, who is the best player at the moment?

How important is the maager? Is he as important as the manager tends to be for soccer teams? And are managers also celebrities like they are here?

Oh and I was wondering, any americans over there into rugby? It would be a game that I presume Americans would be more into than soccer.

Oh and apparently one of the players called channing or something has stated to the British media that he didn't know where London was, asked whether people in Britain speak English, and said he couldn't pick Europe let alone England (there's a little clue about the language Mr Channing) on a map. Thats certainly going to endear him to British fans. And we complain that Soccer players are thickos? :wah:

Oh and another idea is apparenty to play an English Premier League match in the States, so would Americans be interested in watching say Manchester Utd vs Arsenal in Giants Stadium? Or is it just gimmickry?

That is true about the one player not knowing that they spoke English there, and couldn't find England on a map. He is from one of the local teams here, quite a big subject for the newspaper grind........

Rugby is not very popular here, soccer is slowly catching on. That is also regional here, some areas are more into it then others.

chonsigirl;713400 wrote: That is true about the one player not knowing that they spoke English there, and couldn't find England on a map. He is from one of the local teams here, quite a big subject for the newspaper grind........

Rugby is not very popular here, soccer is slowly catching on. That is also regional here, some areas are more into it then others.


Oh well, soccer players can also be, well a bit stupid to be put it kindly, but thats ignorance on a whole new level. :wah:



But what of my questions about the Am football, we need to know these things if we are to have a hope of understanding what is going on!

Oh, all that technical stuff about who does what, I am sure someone will tell you. Usually a nice Saturday football game means I get to go shopping!:-6

Actually, I watch when certain games will go on, so my husband can still watch his favorite teams.

But it is World Series time! That is the sport that rules this week!

chonsigirl;713402 wrote: Oh, all that technical stuff about who does what, I am sure someone will tell you. Usually a nice Saturday football game means I get to go shopping!:-6

Actually, I watch when certain games will go on, so my husband can still watch his favorite teams.

But it is World Series time! That is the sport that rules this week!


Thats baseball, or rounders as we call it. See how I knew that. Impressive eh? :wah:

Why do they call it rounders?

For running round the bases?

Galbally;713392 wrote: Another set of questions, who is the best player at the moment?



How important is the maager? Is he as important as the manager tends to be for soccer teams? And are managers also celebrities like they are here?



Oh and I was wondering, any americans over there into rugby? It would be a game that I presume Americans would be more into than soccer.



Oh and apparently one of the players called channing or something has stated to the British media that he didn't know where London was, asked whether people in Britain speak English, and said he couldn't pick Europe let alone England (there's a little clue about the language Mr Channing) on a map. Thats certainly going to endear him to British fans. And we complain that Soccer players are thickos? :wah:






The New England Patriots are the dream team at the moment. Tom Brady (quarterback) (the guy that throws the ball) :wah: (to the reciever) (the guy that catches the ball) is a finely tuned machine. Hes in his prime and he really cant do anything wrong right now. On top of that hes got at least one lean mean reciever in Randy Moss. 6'4" of greased lightning.

But you have the Giants and the Dolphins. The Giants will win this game. Why ? Because Giants can squish Dolphins thats why.

It is a tactical game, its like 2 generals executing soldiers in the battlefield. The manager (coach ?) is extremely important. He oversees everything that happens, him and his little Generals. Theres a quarterback coach, an offensive line coach, a defensive line coach, special teams coach (guys that run the ball back on a kickoff or punt return teams, field goal teams etc.)

They should be playing hard for you guys over there, its a "showoff highlight" game.

Ummm...theres lots more but my typing finger is tired and needs a rest now.

Nomad;713432 wrote: The New England Patriots are the dream team at the moment. Tom Brady (quarterback) (the guy that throws the ball) :wah: (to the reciever) (the guy that catches the ball) is a finely tuned machine. Hes in his prime and he really cant do anything wrong right now. On top of that hes got at least one lean mean reciever in Randy Moss. 6'4" of greased lightning.

But you have the Giants and the Dolphins. The Giants will win this game. Why ? Because Giants can squish Dolphins thats why.

It is a tactical game, its like 2 generals executing soldiers in the battlefield. The manager (coach ?) is extremely important. He oversees everything that happens, him and his little Generals. Theres a quarterback coach, an offensive line coach, a defensive line coach, special teams coach (guys that run the ball back on a kickoff or punt return teams, field goal teams etc.)

They should be playing hard for you guys over there, its a "showoff highlight" game.

Ummm...theres lots more but my typing finger is tired and needs a rest now.


Whats a punt return? Our old money was called the "punt" it would have been great to get a few returns on that. :wah:

If the offense has the ball but fails to convert a 3rd down to a 1st down and theyre not close enough to the goal posts to attempt a 3 pt field goal (usually about 50 yrds or less) they must punt the ball off to the other team at which point the offense and defense roles reverse.

Dr. G, Nomad is doing a great job of answering your questions. Both these team are middle of the road team right now but passable. If they really wanted to show you a game they should have had the Patriots and the Colts play then you would see precision "Football"

The concept is much the same as "Football" or Soccer as we call it the only difference is they actually pass the ball with their hand and run down the field to make touchdowns with counts for 6 point and the point after counts as 1.

There are "Field goals" that count as 3 points. Which you will relate to since it is one man at a certain yard line standing and taking a shot at the goal posts, he has to kick the ball through them to get the 3 points. Field goals are usually taken if the team with the balls is out of down and is to far from the goal post to pass or run the ball so they get a kicker on the field and he try for the 3 points.

http://www.football.com/rulesabc/index.html

Here is a link to a simple explaination of the game it origin, playing the game.

Its simple 2 team in lots of gear smash and bump down the field with the "Football" to the oppossing goal post to score 6 point and then 1 for point after, or 3 for fields goals.

There are 4 chances with each carry to get 1st downs(10yards or more), as long as you keep making 1st down you keep the ball. If you don't you either try for a field goal, or punts the ball to the other team so they now get the ball and try for thier seires of down to march the ball to make a "Touch down". The punt is usually done by the kicker that try for the field goals. He kicks the ball down the field and where it land is where the other team start their march down the field. Some time the other team will actually catch that kick and run in down the field for a touch down (this is very exciting to see).

There are other way to get 2 point but to complicated to explain. The game consists of 4, 30 minute quarters. The side of the field switches at half time. The highest scoring team wins. In between that time it can be test of skills between the teams usually the team with the most skilled players wins.

I forgot to mention the KING on a team is called the "Quaterback" he is the leaader of the bunch and is in charge of throwing to ball the his players. He is protected at all cost by his front line, the really big guys that grunt and groan alot and throw people out of the way.

I was asked by my New Zealand friends and relatives to make a comparison between Rugby and American Football. I told them that I enjoyed watching both, but they were two entirely different games. Rugby is like Checkers and American Football is like Chess. On a typical American Football Team there are probably no more than four to five players that could make a successful transition to playing Rugby well. American Football linemen who weigh on average 285 lbs. could never stand the running back and forth for one hour as required in Rugby.

How many men are on a team? - Pass

Whats the biggest team in the league? - Pass

How long does each game last, I remember watching a bit of a superbowl and it went on for about 4 hours or something??- Pass

How many people can be brought on as substitutes or can you bring people on as you need them? - Whenever they like

Why do they have all the stops? - So that the TV stations can show adverts

Can the manager or coach or whatever you call them talk to the players on the pitch?

Are there any referees on the pitch? I can't remember seeing any. - No, with no rules you dont need refs.

How many points do you get for a touchdown? - 6

Do you get points for kicking the ball through the goal posts?? - Conversion, 1 point, Feild goal (Penalty) 3 points.

Nomad;713437 wrote: If the offense has the ball but fails to convert a 3rd down to a 1st down and theyre not close enough to the goal posts to attempt a 3 pt field goal (usually about 50 yrds or less) they must punt the ball off to the other team at which point the offense and defense roles reverse.


Sorry, I don't think I got any of that.

Whats a 3rd down?

Whats a 1st down?

Is a field goal where you kick the ball between the posts? So the points earned depend on how far away you are when you kick the ball? Makes sense I suppose.

Oh wait, I think I got the second part, but the first bit I am still a bit fuzzy on.

CARLA;713448 wrote: Dr. G, Nomad is doing a great job of answering your questions. Both these team are middle of the road team right now but passable. If they really wanted to show you a game they should have had the Patriots and the Colts play then you would see precision "Football"

The concept is much the same as "Football" or Soccer as we call it the only difference is they actually pass the ball with their hand and run down the field to make touchdowns with counts for 6 point and the point after counts as 1.

There are "Field goals" that count as 3 points. Which you will relate to since it is one man at a certain yard line standing and taking a shot at the goal posts, he has to kick the ball through them to get the 3 points. Field goals are usually taken if the team with the balls is out of down and is to far from the goal post to pass or run the ball so they get a kicker on the field and he try for the 3 points.

http://www.football.com/rulesabc/index.html

Here is a link to a simple explaination of the game it origin, playing the game.

Its simple 2 team in lots of gear smash and bump down the field with the "Football" to the oppossing goal post to score 6 point and then 1 for point after, or 3 for fields goals.

There are 4 chances with each carry to get 1st downs(10yards or more), as long as you keep making 1st down you keep the ball. If you don't you either try for a field goal, or punts the ball to the other team so they now get the ball and try for thier seires of down to march the ball to make a "Touch down". The punt is usually done by the kicker that try for the field goals. He kicks the ball down the field and where it land is where the other team start their march down the field. Some time the other team will actually catch that kick and run in down the field for a touch down (this is very exciting to see).

There are other way to get 2 point but to complicated to explain. The game consists of 4, 30 minute quarters. The side of the field switches at half time. The highest scoring team wins. In between that time it can be test of skills between the teams usually the team with the most skilled players wins.

I forgot to mention the KING on a team is called the "Quaterback" he is the leaader of the bunch and is in charge of throwing to ball the his players. He is protected at all cost by his front line, the really big guys that grunt and groan alot and throw people out of the way.


Okay, thats a fairly detailed description, there are a few things I don't really get here still, but maybe if I watch this thing, (I am sure they will have to explain it as the game goes along over here or none of us will have the foggiest notion who is doing what to who, when, so maybe I will get the drift. The scoring seems sound enough, basically 6 for a touch down which is like a try, 1 for the conversion, (which is the same thing I think), and 3 for a field goal which is the same as for a drop kick in rugby.

You know, you should really watch a bit of Rugby, it is one seriously tough game to play, those guys are unbelieveable.

Chookie;713517 wrote: How many men are on a team? - Pass

Whats the biggest team in the league? - Pass

How long does each game last, I remember watching a bit of a superbowl and it went on for about 4 hours or something??- Pass

How many people can be brought on as substitutes or can you bring people on as you need them? - Whenever they like

Why do they have all the stops? - So that the TV stations can show adverts

Can the manager or coach or whatever you call them talk to the players on the pitch?

Are there any referees on the pitch? I can't remember seeing any. - No, with no rules you dont need refs.

How many points do you get for a touchdown? - 6

Do you get points for kicking the ball through the goal posts?? - Conversion, 1 point, Feild goal (Penalty) 3 points.


Now lets not spank the yank on this one eh? I am actually trying to learn something about this strange game, I am still not convinced that its any good, but its good to try and learn. :rolleyes:

Lon;713514 wrote: I was asked by my New Zealand friends and relatives to make a comparison between Rugby and American Football. I told them that I enjoyed watching both, but they were two entirely different games. Rugby is like Checkers and American Football is like Chess. On a typical American Football Team there are probably no more than four to five players that could make a successful transition to playing Rugby well. American Football linemen who weigh on average 285 lbs. could never stand the running back and forth for one hour as required in Rugby.


Yeah, I presume some of the players just have to like run a little bit and crash into each other like battering rams, they wouldn't be able to play rugby, you have to be extremely fit, some of those quarterback guys and the reciever guys, they are very skilled at throws and catches, they might be useful alright, though you generally don't get to score by throwing the ball cross the try-line in rugby, as you would be dead under a large amount of very large and very aggressive new zealand maouri's long before you could get the ball, (though it does happen occasionally) but you know that already I think.

Galbally;713555 wrote: Now lets not spank the yank on this one eh? I am actually trying to learn something about this strange game, I am still not convinced that its any good, but its good to try and learn. :rolleyes:


He's correct in some and wrong with some.

Do your homework Chooks.

A very good description of the game and rules is on Wiki.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_football_rules

And yes Gal.

The Dolphins suck.

:wah:

Holy crap there are a lot of rules JD, I think I would need to watch a few games with a rule book to get half of this stuff, even in timings there is a lot to take in, its a bit like a mix between cricket and rugby, now rugby is fairly easy for anyone to understand i think, cricket is another matter, I still don't have much of a clue how that game works, and I even played it once, in Essex, but thats another story.

OK, I was wrong there are some rules.............



It won't ever replace Rugby Union, but the the USA are currently the Olympic champions in Rugby. Go figure..............

Chookie;713564 wrote: OK, I was wrong there are some rules.............



It won't ever replace Rugby Union, but the the USA are currently the Olympic champions in Rugby. Go figure..............


Yep there are more rules that you can shake a stick at! Its interesting that they have a good olympic rugby team, shame they don't play more rugby union, that would be interesting.

Dr. G trust me you will get it in 1 game. Sure there are lots of rules and calls that the REF makes but the basic is simple you move down the field and score just like any other game on a field. Only in the NFL they wear pretty uniforms and lots of shoulder pads, helmets and are paid MILLIONS to show up for 16 games a year.. well 20 games if you count pre season.

Just relax watch the game and listen to the announcers they will keep you up on what is happening. To bad John Madden or Al Michaels aren't calling the game Madden is a great announcer and very easy to understand talk in terms everyone can understand.

Holy crap there are a lot of rules JD, I think I would need to watch a few games with a rule book to get half of this stuff, even in timings there is a lot to take in, its a bit like a mix between cricket and rugby, now rugby is fairly easy for anyone to understand i think, cricket is another matter, I still don't have much of a clue how that game works, and I even played it once, in Essex, but thats another story.

Carla is spot on.

You'll get the hang of it very quickly.

I"m looking forward to watching the American fans sitting with British spectators.

It's all about fun.

:D

JacksDad;713632 wrote: Carla is spot on.

You'll get the hang of it very quickly.



I"m looking forward to watching the American fans sitting with British spectators.



It's all about fun.

:D




Its all about bashing some guy so he flys up in there air and twirls around then drops 6' to the ground like a boulder ending up in a contorted mangled mess while the guy that hit him does the chicken dance over him and talks trash about his momma.

On a footnote the Giants coach in an interview claims to be aware that hes playing the game in another country.

These guys are sharp as tacks Dr Gallbladder.

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d803a81be

:wah::wah: Nomie you always say it like it its thank God... I'm still laughing at the fact that some of the players were wern't aware that they actually spoke "English" in England.. Wooooo!!! and these guys are making millions ..:p

You forgot to mention he has to hold onto the Football while he is airborne..

[QUOTE]Its all about bashing some guy so he flys up in there air and twirls around then drops 6' to the ground like a boulder ending up in a contorted mangled mess while the guy that hit him does the chicken dance over him and talks trash about his momma.


[QUOTE]On a footnote the Giants coach in an interview claims to be aware that hes playing the game in another country.

These guys are sharp as tacks Dr Gallbladder.http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d803a81be[/QUOTE]

CARLA;713755 wrote: :wah: Nomie you always say it like it its thank God... I'm still laughing at the fact that some of the players were wern't aware that they actually spoke "English" in England.. Wooooo!!! and these guys are making millions ..:p



You forgot to mention he has to hold onto the Football while he is airborne..


I think the Vikes are playing San Diego this yr Muka poo. That should be fun. Like The 3 Stooges kind of fun.

Yes next Sunday at 10am this should be fun your right...

[QUOTE]I think the Vikes are playing San Diego this yr Muka poo. That should be fun. Like The 3 Stooges kind of fun. [/QUOTE]

:DNomie didn't we clean your clock the last time we played you??

Its a little scratchy but if you think the rugby has anything up on the NFL think again.

CARLA;713771 wrote: :DNomie didn't we clean your clock the last time we played you??




Everyone cleans our clock...:-1

:yh_rotfl Sorry big guy the Vikes will rise again..

[QUOTE]Everyone cleans our clock...[/QUOTE]

CARLA;713776 wrote: :yh_rotfl Sorry big guy the Vikes will rise again..


Well sure they will but theyre just going to fall down again. Probably tripping on their own shoelaces. :-5

Nomad;713773 wrote: Its a little scratchy but if you think the rugby has anything up on the NFL think again.




nomad rugby no helmets no big shouder pads no cheast pads

man against mad without armour= rugby

:wah: Probably but you must always have hope. Hey the Chargers started out awful this year not sure we can redeem ourselves enough to make to the playoffs but we shall see. :-5 These are the best 16 week of the year..

[QUOTE]Well sure they will but theyre just going to fall down again. Probably tripping on their own shoelaces. [/QUOTE]

el guapo;713783 wrote: nomad rugby no helmets no big shouder pads no cheast pads



man against mad without armour= rugby








I knew someone would say that. When you have $10 million invested in a player you need him back next week. It wouldnt do any good having half the team in traction.

Whos broadcasting the London game ?

el guapo;713783 wrote: nomad rugby no helmets no big shouder pads no cheast pads

man against mad without armour= rugby






I've been through this discussion before.

Knew someone would bring it up.

We have the same injuries as rugby players do.

While wearing armour. Think about it.

:p

JacksDad;713788 wrote: I've been through this discussion before.

Knew someone would bring it up.



We have the same injuries as rugby players do.

While wearing armour. Think about it.

:p


Slam & Dunk !

Nomad;713785 wrote: I knew someone would say that. When you have $10 million invested in a player you need him back next week. It wouldnt do any good having half the team in traction.


so bye your reasoning USA boxer should put on crash helmets and tie pillows to there hands

how about a new rule .....ya cannot go within 12 ft of ya opp when in the ring :wah::wah::wah:

JacksDad;713788 wrote: I've been through this discussion before.

Knew someone would bring it up.

We have the same injuries as rugby players do.

While wearing armour. Think about it.

:p


jd you cant help it ya all a bit soft:wah::wah:

El Guapo remember this the US has the #1 Rugby team in the world right now we know how to play rough with or without Helmets and pads..

Good questions I have tried to find out. Hopes its someone good or they could ruin the experience for our friends on the other side of the pond..

[QUOTE]Whos broadcasting the London game ?[/QUOTE]

CARLA;713793 wrote: El Guapo remember this the US has the #1 Rugby team in the world right now we know how to play rough with or without Helmets and pads..


carla i didnt know that the world champions came from the US by there name i thought they came from somewere else



south africa:wah::wah:

el guapo;713790 wrote: so bye your reasoning USA boxer should put on crash helmets and tie pillows to there hands



how about a new rule .....ya cannot go within 12 ft of ya opp when in the ring




Its more than just bashing the opponent. Its a sport of finesse, skill and talent. Its strategy which requires brain not just brawn. If I could Id put you on the field, give you the ball and lets see how fast you run when the Chicago Bears defense starts hunting you down. Your best bet would be to throw the ball away and just keep on running.

Oh and be sure to change your undies after you soil them.

I just realized that they are not showing this match on the big domestic channels, just Sky Sports One and Channel 5 which I don't have, shame, it would be interesting to see what happens. Oh well.



I think the American Audience will be impressed with Wembley, its quite an amazing stadium.

Nomad;713798 wrote: Its more than just bashing the opponent. Its a sport of finesse, skill and talent. Its strategy which requires brain not just brawn. If I could Id put you on the field, give you the ball and lets see how fast you run when the Chicago Bears defense starts hunting you down. Your best bet would be to throw the ball away and just keep on running.

Oh and be sure to change your undies after you soil them.


my friend win or lose i run from no man have faced death been stabbed glassed

attacked by gangs and had death threat

would also be fun to see you stand in front of the english rugby team