Relative Something

I had no idea how complex the language is in NFL play calling until I heard it in the Netflix docuseries, “Quarterback.” Wow. Just wow. When I played as a kid, we said things like, “Screen pass right” or “End around.” Now they rattle off a series of bizarre combinations of words that sound as though they were tossed together like a salad.

In addition, they scream it out so fast it makes my head spin. If I was tired, sweating profusely, and being bombarded by the sound of a stadium full of crazy fans shouting at the top of their lungs, I don’t think I could process what the quarterback was reciting.

Somehow, a majority of the time, 11 guys all function in unison to execute the word salad that the quarterback called out. It gives me a whole new respect for what those athletes are doing in this sport.

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This 3-quarterback glimpse (I’ve only watched the first 4 episodes so far) has also helped me to have a better feel for the abuse an NFL quarterback endures every time a defensive player is able to make solid contact.

I will forever remember the groaning sound Kirk Cousins made in the recording of one particular hit because he made that sound as he lay on the ground after the hit, as he walked toward the sideline when he got up and he continued that groan even after he plopped down on the team bench to recover.

There’s no denying the fact that I’m largely enjoying this series because one of the featured quarterbacks happens to be the starter for a team I grew up watching, the Minnesota Vikings, but I’m finding the episodes fascinating enough that I’m convinced it would be worth it even if my team wasn’t represented.

One thing I’ll take from watching this is a greater inclination to forgive a team for “Too Much Time” infractions between plays or other mental errors.

They all must be struggling to cope with speaking “football (American)” as a second language. FSL.

“Y whatever.” [watch episode 4 to grasp that reference…]

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