Nomenclature Question

[Pokes12]

We often hear and refer to wide receivers as NO. 1, NO. 2 or NO. 3 receivers. Is that just what we believe is their ranking in order of skill or does it have a real meaning in terms of how the line up or in what order the QB looks for them in his progressive reads.

If it is just what the fans think, then I think it is way too used up. Yes, Irvin was 1 but Harper was 1A. How many times did that guy win key games for us with great plays. In fact the long slant against S.F. in 1992 was actually supposed to be run by 88. But he thought Troy was going to throw the hitch route so he changed positions with Alvin. I have heard Irvin say, he was running down field with my ball.

What say you Zoners??

 

[Pokes12]

We often hear and refer to wide receivers as NO. 1, NO. 2 or NO. 3 receivers. Is that just what we believe is their ranking in order of skill or does it have a real meaning in terms of how the line up or in what order the QB looks for them in his progressive reads.

If it is just what the fans think, then I think it is way too used up. Yes, Irvin was 1 but Harper was 1A. How many times did that guy win key games for us with great plays. In fact the long slant against S.F. in 1992 was actually supposed to be run by 88. But he thought Troy was going to throw the hitch route so he changed positions with Alvin. I have heard Irvin say, he was running down field with my ball.

What say you Zoners??

Did I stump everyone??

 

[Wulfman]

It depends on who is using the term, Pokes.

Most fans--and even some "experts"--use the #1, #2, #3, etc. designation when referring to who the team's best WR is, who is the next best, and so on. Almost always, people infer that the #1 and #2 will be your starters, since they are the best two you have.

For teams themselves, however, and for knowledgable football people, #1, #2, and #3 often refer to specific positions that are played. For example, you'll hear some analysts talking about one receiver playing the "X" position, while another is playing the "Y". And yes, there is a "Z", which is usually the slot receiver. In other places, you'll hear them referred to as playing split end, flanker, and the slot. But whatever they're called, they're referring to the actual position that is played by the receiver, and not necessarily their place on the depth chart.

Each of them has a different responsibility for blocking schemes (whether they're on the strong or weak side of the offense), different motion packages, and different route trees. That's why most rookies that come into the league play one side or the other exclusively at first, and then will become more flexible (and useful) as they learn the other positions. It's also why depth charts will show one guy as a back to one starter at WR and a different guy as the back-up on the other side. They've specifically learned their position, so they're best able to step in at that spot. Of course, the more experienced ones can play any spot.

Hope that helps!

 

[ScipioCowboy]

We often hear and refer to wide receivers as NO. 1, NO. 2 or NO. 3 receivers. Is that just what we believe is their ranking in order of skill or does it have a real meaning in terms of how the line up or in what order the QB looks for them in his progressive reads.

If it is just what the fans think, then I think it is way too used up. Yes, Irvin was 1 but Harper was 1A. How many times did that guy win key games for us with great plays. In fact the long slant against S.F. in 1992 was actually supposed to be run by 88. But he thought Troy was going to throw the hitch route so he changed positions with Alvin. I have heard Irvin say, he was running down field with my ball.

What say you Zoners??

Ah, yes. The infamous 30 yard slant. We can only hope this reference manages to escape Hos's notice.

 

[Hoofbite]

Ah, yes. The infamous 30 yard slant. We can only hope this reference manages to escape Hos's notice.

I prefer my slants to be of the 40-yard variety, but maybe that's just me.

 

[couchscout]

It depends on who is using the term, Pokes.

Most fans--and even some "experts"--use the #1, #2, #3, etc. designation when referring to who the team's best WR is, who is the next best, and so on. Almost always, people infer that the #1 and #2 will be your starters, since they are the best two you have.

For teams themselves, however, and for knowledgable football people, #1, #2, and #3 often refer to specific positions that are played. For example, you'll hear some analysts talking about one receiver playing the "X" position, while another is playing the "Y". And yes, there is a "Z", which is usually the slot receiver. In other places, you'll hear them referred to as playing split end, flanker, and the slot. But whatever they're called, they're referring to the actual position that is played by the receiver, and not necessarily their place on the depth chart.

Each of them has a different responsibility for blocking schemes (whether they're on the strong or weak side of the offense), different motion packages, and different route trees. That's why most rookies that come into the league play one side or the other exclusively at first, and then will become more flexible (and useful) as they learn the other positions. It's also why depth charts will show one guy as a back to one starter at WR and a different guy as the back-up on the other side. They've specifically learned their position, so they're best able to step in at that spot. Of course, the more experienced ones can play any spot.

Hope that helps!

You did a very good job explaining here, but had a small inaccuracy I want to clear up. And I'll elaborate a little.

The X = "Number 1" receiver, and is also the reciever who covers up the tackle on the offenses weak side, which means he lines up on the line of scrimmage.

The Z = "Number 2" receiver, and is also the reciever who lines up on the offenses strong side, so he has to line up off the line of scrimmage so he doesn't cover up the TE.

The Y = Your TE or slot receiver.

Of course it gets pretty confusing when you have more than 3 receivers in a formation.

 

[Wulfman]

You did a very good job explaining here, but had a small inaccuracy I want to clear up. And I'll elaborate a little.

The X = "Number 1" receiver, and is also the reciever who covers up the tackle on the offenses weak side, which means he lines up on the line of scrimmage.

The Z = "Number 2" receiver, and is also the reciever who lines up on the offenses strong side, so he has to line up off the line of scrimmage so he doesn't cover up the TE.

The Y = Your TE or slot receiver.

Of course it gets pretty confusing when you have more than 3 receivers in a formation.

Thanks for the correction...I sometimes get the "y" and the "Z" confused. The difference in role, though, was the main thing I was trying to communicate, rather than the #1, #2, etc. being a depth chart ranking.

 

[Pokes12]

Thanks for the correction...I sometimes get the "y" and the "Z" confused. The difference in role, though, was the main thing I was trying to communicate, rather than the #1, #2, etc. being a depth chart ranking.

Thanks, Wulf and Couch. Good explanations.

 

[Hostile]

Here's an old thread that helps a little.

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161798&highlight=football+101

 

[ScipioCowboy]

Here's an old thread that helps a little.

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161798&highlight=football+101

Your tree seems to lack a 30 yard slant.

 

[Hostile]

Your tree seems to lack a 30 yard slant.

Your location seems to lack an S.