We all know that watching football is a popular pastime during Thanksgiving, but how much of the game do you actually understand?
For the girls (and guys) who sit on the couch silently while their relatives scream coded phrases at the TV, or maybe those who completely avoid the TV room all together in fear of making a fool of themselves:
Here are some tips to help you sound like you know what you're talking about...even when you probably don't.
1. We usually think of a touchdown as seven points (the six point touchdown + the extra point), but sometimes teams go for the two point conversion, where they run the ball into the end zone from the two yard line.
If the team fails to get the two points, it's ESSENTIAL that you complain about how stupid of an idea that was on the coach's part, regardless of how you really feel. Trust me, you'll fit right in.
2. When somebody catches the ball close to out-of-bounds, make a comment about whether he caught it or not: "I don't think both feet were in!"
But make sure you know the rules: If it's an NFL game he has to have two feet in-bounds when he catches it, and in a college game, he only needs one foot in-bounds when he catches it. Why can't they just be the same to make it easier on us?
3. Right before the team you're cheering for is going to run their first plays, say "we need to establish the run early."
I have no clue what this means, but my dad says it all the time.
4. The most confusing part of any sport: what in the world happens if the game is tied at the end of regulation time? Make sure not to ask this question.
A 15-minute overtime period is played if there's a tie at the end of regulation. It's sudden death....sort of.
5. If your team is losing and they're on defense, say "we need to get more pressure on the quarterback."
This is a common phrase among football fans, so you're guaranteed to sound like an informed fan when using it.
6. Downs. Pretty much, just see if the offense moves the ball 10 yards (forward) in four tries (downs). If they haven't made it in 3 tries, comment on how necessary it is for the team to get a first down.
For some reason it's one of the most confusing concepts for people who don't follow football. Commenting on the downs should keep you looking involved in the game.
7. If there are six minutes left, DO NOT say that the game is almost over. It's not even close to being over.
Six minutes of playing time does not equate to anywhere near six minutes left of watching the game, so don't plan on leaving to go shopping or eat in six minutes. Six minutes left of playing time, plus all the times that the clock will stop (time-outs, incomplete passes, commercials, penalties, when the player with the ball goes out of bounds, etc).
8. In addition, you may see that there are only 41 seconds left of playing time, but that does not at all mean that the game is hopeless for the losing team if they are in possession of the ball.
If you are pulling for a losing team that is in possession of the ball, start cheering and giving the team pep talks right now. (Who cares if they can't actually hear you...It's what everyone does.)
Hopefully these tips will fool family, friends, and strangers into thinking that you know more about football than you actually do. If not, at least it'll look like you put forth a good effort.
