There are 22 players on the field for a normal offensive snap: 11 on offence and 11 on defence. You do not need to memorise all of them at once. Start with the jobs closest to the ball, then work outward.
Offence
| Position | Main job | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| QB — Quarterback | Receives the snap, distributes the ball and controls much of the pre-snap decision-making. | Where are his eyes? Does he hand off, drop back or move the pocket? |
| RB — Running back | Runs the ball, catches passes and helps in pass protection. | Is he aligned beside the QB, behind him or motioned out? |
| WR — Wide receiver | Runs routes and creates separation in the passing game. | Alignment, motion and leverage against the cornerback. |
| TE — Tight end | Hybrid receiver/blocker who can change the strength of a formation. | Is he attached to the line, split out wide or used in motion? |
| OL — Offensive line | Protects the quarterback and creates running lanes. | Do they step forward aggressively or retreat into pass protection? |
Defence
| Position | Main job | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| DT — Defensive tackle | Controls the interior and collapses the pocket. | Can the guard/centre combination stop penetration? |
| EDGE | Rushes from the outside and sets the edge against the run. | How does the offence help the tackle? |
| LB — Linebacker | Fits the run, covers underneath space and can blitz. | Does he attack downhill or drop into coverage? |
| CB — Cornerback | Primarily covers wide receivers. | Press vs off coverage; inside vs outside leverage. |
| S — Safety | Protects the deep field, supports the run and disguises coverage. | One high or two high before the snap — then watch the rotation. |
Where should a new viewer look?
Start with the quarterback and safeties before the snap. The quarterback tells you what the offence is trying to organise; the safeties give you the fastest clue about what the defence might be doing.
Shortcut: learn five offence labels first — QB, RB, WR, TE, OL — and five defence labels — DT, EDGE, LB, CB, S. That is enough to understand most commentary immediately.