Wednesday Wisdom
Your weekends are over - the NFL is back. Plus, today's watercooler topics.
As the ill-advised conversation around politics trends downward, sports save the day.
A hero without a cape,
The Last Night's Game
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NFL Play calling - how hard can it be?
Let's talk about the secret language of football. Amy literally calls an audible (or an Omaha?) on this week's podcast to talk through a reader question about NFL play calling, inspired by the Netflix show "Quarterback."
While NFL teams revel in the high-tech world of earpieces, college football takes a different approach due to varying budgets. College teams rely on good old-fashioned hand signals and quirky play cards. You might spot play cards featuring SpongeBob SquarePants or Superman, each with a hidden meaning known only to the team. But the cards may be a hoax entirely, meaning nothing, but they're put in action to confuse the opposing team.
From audibles to Omahas to helmets with the green dot, there is no need to break out your decoder rings for this week's podcast as we unveil the secrets of NFL play calling in maybe our best podcast episode yet. LISTEN UP
Short and Sweet
Aaron Rodgers' season-ending Achilles tear just 75 seconds into his season leaves his team, the NY Jets (NFL - National Football League), without a starting quarterback. Reports say Colin Kaepernick may be an option.
Meghan Markle joined her husband on stage yesterday for his brainchild, the Invictus Games. The 6th Invictus Games in Düsseldorf gives active duty and veteran service members who have become ill or injured during or as a direct consequence of their service a chance to compete. The closing ceremonies are on Saturday.
The eight-team WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) playoffs start today. Last season's champions, the Las Vegas Aces, hold the No. 1 spot in the playoffs.
The WWE (Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment) and UFC (Ulitmate Fighting Championship) officially merged to form the TKO Group, with the newly formed company now valued at $21B.
Persistence appears to have paid off. Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) famously missed meeting Taylor Swift at her concert, but now the two have been "hanging out."
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Unveiling the Secrets of Football Play Calling
From audibles to Omahas to helmets with the green dot, there is no need to break out your decoder rings.
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In the thrilling world of American football, where every play can be a game-changer, there's a hidden language that's as important as the touchdowns and tackles. We're talking about the intricate art of play calling. Have you ever wondered what those quarterbacks are doing with their iPads, earpieces and mysterious codes on the field? Let's decipher this fascinating aspect of the game.
The Technological Revolution: iPads, Earpieces and Green Dots
In the modern NFL, technology reigns supreme. iPads have replaced the old-school whiteboards with real-time analysis at the quarterback's (and coaches') fingertips. Have you ever seen the quarterback holding the side of his helmet? That's because he's trying to hear the play call through an earpiece. Only one player on each side of the ball can have this privilege, known as the "green dot," which alludes to the green dot on the helmet of the approved player for the communication device. It's a highly regulated system that adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.
Collegiate Constraints: Hand Signals and Play Cards
While NFL teams revel in the high-tech world of earpieces, college football takes a different approach due to varying budgets. College teams rely on good old-fashioned hand signals and quirky play cards. You might spot play cards featuring SpongeBob SquarePants or Superman, each with a hidden meaning known only to the team.
From Signals to Audibles: Transitioning from College to the NFL
Calling plays is a whole different ball game for college quarterbacks making the leap to the NFL. Many college quarterbacks come from spread offenses, where they rarely huddle and often use hand signals or play cards. They rarely have to call a play. In contrast, the NFL demands precision and adaptability, especially in the noisy chaos of packed stadiums.
The Enigma of "Omaha" and Audibles
Ever wondered about Peyton Manning's famous "Omaha" call? It's become legendary in football lore, but its true meaning remains a secret. (Signs indicate that it's an indicator word – but what does it mean? That's for Peyton to know and for us to guess). Audibles are crucial in the quarterback's playbook, allowing them to change plays on the fly based on pre-snap observations. This strategic flexibility keeps the defense guessing.
The No-Huddle Offense: A Fast-Paced Challenge
No-huddle offenses are like a well-oiled machine. Typically used in high-pressure moments or the last two minutes of a game, this approach relies on rapid communication through hand signals and quick decisions. It might look chaotic, but it should catch the defense off guard by design and not waste precious time off the game clock.
Cracking the Play Call Code: It's All About Timing and Cadence
Each play call is like a symphony, with carefully chosen words and a specific cadence. Linemen listen for cues that indicate their roles in the play. The timing is impeccable, ensuring everyone knows what to do before the clock runs down.
Pay attention to the quarterback's subtle cues and codes the next time you watch a football game. The art of play calling is a complex, highly orchestrated dance that adds depth and strategy to every ball snap. It's a testament to the intelligence and skill of these incredible athletes. So, the next time you hear "Omaha" or spot a quarterback signaling frantically, you'll have a glimpse into the hidden world of football play calling.
Weekend Preview: It's NFL Szn, Tom Brady Joins Delta Airlines + US Open Finals
Thought-provoking conversations
While we love sports, we love it because it’s a gateway to great conversations and connections waiting to be made.
US Open Finals (TEnnis)
First things first, let's talk about the US Open. The young and incredibly talented Coco Gauff is making waves. At just 19, she is heading to her first US Open final. Her semifinal match against Muchova had a bit of drama - environmental activists disrupted the game, causing a 49-minute delay. One protester even glued his bare feet to the concrete floor. But Coco stayed focused, and now she's in the finals. She'll face Aryna Sabalenka, who rallied to beat American Madison Keys. Coco's been on fire since becoming CPR certified, so let's see if Karma is on her side this Saturday.
Switching to the men's side, the action is heating up today at 3 pm ET. American Ben Shelton faces off against the formidable Novak Djokovic, while Carlos Alcaraz takes on Daniil Medvedev. Who will make it to the finals? It's anyone's guess, but you can bet it'll be a showdown for the ages.
NFL (National Football League) Kickoff
The NFL season kicked off last night with the Detroit Lions pulling off an upset win against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. The Lions even managed to pull off a clever fake punt play.
There's more NFL excitement coming your way this weekend, including Joe Burrow's historic $270M extension with the Cincinnati Bengals. But what's truly intriguing is the rumor about his engagement. A Cincinnati bar is offering nine-cent "Sad Girl" shots until the engagement rumor is confirmed, a nod to Burrow's jersey number.
Before you go
Tom Brady returns to New England for the first time as a fan to be honored during the halftime ceremony. While there, he’ll likely take on the role of consoling former coach Bill Belichick over his recent breakup with his longtime love. Also, in Brady news, Delta announced that he’s their newest strategic advisor - working on training and starring in commercials.
Alabama is sending the Texas band to the upper deck after Texas did the same to the Alabama band last year. This exciting match-up between Texas (No. 11) and Alabama (No. 3) is the home to ESPN College GameDay this Saturday.
In an unprecedented start to the NFL season, three rookie quarterbacks will make their debut this Sunday:
Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts was the No. 3 draft pick from Florida. No. 3.
Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers was the No. 1 draft pick from Alabama.
CJ Stroud of the Houston Texans was the No. 2 draft pick from Ohio State.
Here’s to the weekend!
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A Beginner’s Guide to fantasy football
Being a fantasy football pro who can talk shop doesn't have to be a fantasy. READ
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GAME CHANGER
Place your bets with confidence (or at least be prepared to talk shop) with our sports betting 101. THE MORE YOU KNOW