What is a Tight End?

Okay ladies... I know you hear TIGHT END, and think don't they all have tight ends? Especially in those form fitting spandex pants!

 I mean really, what is a tight end? What are his responsibilities?

A tight end is the player that lines up on either end of the offensive line. (Sometimes you have a tight end on each side of the offensive line.) 

The picture above illustrates the offensive line, tight end, and quarterback. #5 Josh Freeman (wearing green) is the Quarterback. The player directly in front of him is the Center. Then on each side of the center play an offensive guard, and offensive tackle. Just to the Right of the offensive line is the tight end. (You see the third guy from the center? #44 Dallas Clark)

The players that play this position have two main responsibilities: Blocking and Receiving. A tight end is often responsible for picking up a block on defensive players who are blitzing the line of scrimmage, or to help make a hole for the halfback. 

In this picture you can that the Tight End, Dallas Clark #44 is lined up in front of the halfback just to the left of the offensive line (not visible) so that he can block for the halfback to run the ball. He will try to block anyone coming towards the line of scrimmage, and make a hole for his teammate to run through.

They also run routes similar to a receiver to catch passes and help the offense get down the field to score. Most times the tight end will run a route that consists of 5-10 yards down field and then turn in or out trying to give the quarterback an additional throwing target. Often times when going over the middle of the field they will get tackled hard, also called blown up, knocked out, leveled, etc... this area of the field can be very dangerous with defenders looking to score the big hits. A lot of concussions injuries happen in this area of the field.

In this (off centered) photo, the tight end Dallas Clark is making a catch. Allowing his quarterback to move the ball down the field. As you see he slid to catch the ball protecting himself from the big hit that would surely come. (He also slid faster than I could move/focus the camera)

Notice in this photo his stance is different? He is further outside of the offensive line and will be running a route. This type of stance can be a clear signal that it is a pass play, or trickery used to make the defense think it is a pass play.

I hope that this post has made you more clear on what a Tight End actually is! This specific tight end featured is one of my favorites as he was drafted by Indianapolis out of Iowa. So he's a Big 10 guy, that played many years for my beloved Colts. I am really hoping that he can be back to his pre-injury game in his first season with Tampa Bay. I got to meet him briefly on Wednesday, he signed my jersey where I learned he's also a lefty and a joker. That must be why I've liked him so much!!

Have a great day, the preseason officially kicks off in 2 days!

-Amanda

Past, Present, Future...

This morning as I enjoyed a steamy humid morning at training camp this little girl caught my eye...wearing a Simeon Rice jersey, a pair of sparkly Toms shoes, and an attitude of oblivion to the giant men out on the field getting ready to kick off a new season.

She fully represents why I want to write this blog about football. Although she is no older than two and never saw Simeon Rice play she is representing in the jersey. Simeon Rice was one of the great defensive ends on the Bucs' Super Bowl Team. He represents the past in this post. Those guys who we don't want to forget, because they were so great to watch as they did their job.

Today in the present time, she was more interested in watching the people in the stands and playing with whatever she brought from home than what was happening on the field. In fact I am not sure she knew why she was even there! (I could be wrong, as I didn't stop to talk) Those guys on the field at One Buc Place, and 31 other NFL training camps are working through the hot humid weather wearing full football pads and helmets, so I don't want to hear how hot you are!! (Yes, I have to remind myself this too!) They are anxiously awaiting the kickoff to this season, as are we the fans.

This little fan is our female fan of the future! I'm so happy to see that she (or her mom) decided to let her rock the jersey instead of a cheerleader outfit. So ladies, and any guys out there reading this... don't leave your daughters out! Immersing them in athletics will help them grow into self confident and self assured women. They will be strong, and capable. While she may never choose to play football, there are many options out there for her! Look at the 5 teenage girls from the USA that won a gold medal in team gymnastics last night! Encourage her spirit, dedication, and ability to choose what she wants to do!!

Cheers to a new season of football...

Football is almost here for 2012

Training camps are under way. This past weekend the hubby and I entertained our football deprived selves by going down to One Buccaneer Place and watching practice. I also got some great photos that I hope to get signed for our future Mancave! One of our good friends is in Minnesota for Vikings training camp, I hope to see pictures soon.

 Ronde Barber #20 The only player left on the roster from the Buc's 2002 Super Bowl Team! A great player, and veteran leader for this team.

 Team huddle before practice gets started.

 Josh Freeman, the QB for the Buc's. He's been looking sharp and has some great new targets to get the ball to this year.

 Connor Barth practicing his accuracy during practice drills, he's the field goal kicker for the Buc's. Holding the ball is Michael Koenen, the punter.

 Dallas Clark newly acquired free agent pick up from the Colts, and one of my favorite players. He's a Big 10 guy, and will provide a great veteran presence in the offensive huddle for this young team. He's looking forward to a fresh start after battling injuries last year.

 Vincent Jackson (VJax) another excellent free agent pickup from San Diego. He already appears to have great timing with his new QB Freeman. The Tampa fans are highly anticipating the long bomb hook ups between these two guys.

This was a play that Coach Schiano will not tolerate. Madu a halfback, was stripped of the ball. I'm showing this one because it is simply a great photo!

 Doug Martin appears to be a shining star, the rookie halfback will challenge Blount for the starting job. He's quick and has a nasty side step. If he stays healthy he could have an amazing rookie campaign.

 Mark Barron is another rookie with high expectations on his shoulders. Looking forward to seeing this guy in action.

What is your favorite team? Who is your favorite player?