7 REASONS WHY AMERICAN FOOTBALL IS A GREAT SPORT TO WATCH

Simple to Learn but impossible to master
Critics of the sport (often time European soccer fans) suggest there is too little action. In reality, the game has episodic action (more akin to tennis). The constant pause in gameplay after 10 seconds defines the strategy of the game. Before each play - every player, every coach, and every fan know the situation as it is on the scoreboard (or TV). This is known as the down and distance and it's a simple concept that serves as the foundation of the sport. Once you understand the basics of down and distance (something a typical 8-year old can grasp), you can begin to quickly comprehend the game. The concept is simple enough, but (much like chess) it can take lifetime to master. Which leads to my next point...

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The Coach is Crucial
In football the head coach and the assortment of other coaches (offensive and defensive) are literally influencing every aspect of the game. Each play is a coaching decision. Imagine if soccer or basketball had a stoppage every 10 seconds where the coach could change the strategy - that's literally what you get the entire game of football! The coaches are constantly strategizing after each play with a new down/distance adjusted for time on the clock. A football team (NFL or college) will typically have at least 10 coaches -all of which are heavily involved in the strategy and action of the game. Football is literally head coach vs head coach. Without the constant coaching, a football game on any organized level (literally) ceases to exist. I'm not aware of any sport where coaching is remotely this important.

Simulated War
Like it or not, American football is a sport that simulates warfare as it existed for centuries (until WWI). The head coaches are generals, the quarterback is the field general. The opposing sides literally lineup directly across from another and engage in physical hand-to-hand combat. A coach (like a general) can decide to take risks both strategical (play calling) or tactical (personnel). Each play is a battle where real estate is won or lost. In football, when you advance the ball down the field, you are actually gaining territory on your opponent (driving them back) until you score. You can lose a battle but win the war. You can strategize to suit your teams strengths (speed, strength, or scheme).

Momentum and tension that reaches a slow crescendo
The whole concept of gaining real estate on your opponent adds another dimension unlike other sports. This is one of the most unique and amazing aspects to the football that (along with the situational nature of the game) contributes to the momentum and tension of the game. Yes, every sport has momentum, but often it's fleeting... whereas in football it is slowly cooked up in a remarkable fashion. Compare it to European Football (soccer) where you can surely feel momentum rising or falling, but it's typically more subdued... then (almost randomely) a gooooaaaal is scored... and the result is pandamonium and elation. In American football you have these moments as well, but you also have long strategic drives that take up 5 - 10 minutes of game time (20 minutes of actual time). Players, coaches, and fans can literally see a team getting backed up to the goal line. With each play the stakes get higher and tension builds. Often at the end of the game the momentum and tension is overflowing… sometimes, after an emotional victory, the fans themselves will spill out onto the field. The whole process is an emotional rollercoaster and tease compared to many other sports where scoring often happens more quickly and randomly. Keep in mind, there are only 12 games per year (college football) and 16 (NFL). Stakes are almost always high in football! Every game, every play… and you can not only feel it… but see it as a team is slowly driving toward the goal line.

Every Moment is at 100%
Endurance is part of football, but with the stakes so high for each game and each play, the game is more about athletes going at 100% at every moment. The constant pausing between plays and limitless substituions almost guarantee that fresh players giving 100% will be going at it during every moment of a game where the outcome hasn’t been defined. Compared to other sports, there's less "pacing" or "endurance" strategy. A big fascet of the game is literally two 300 lb men crashing into each other at full force on each-and-every play.

Right amount of scoring
A given football game will have approximately 8-12 scoring plays during 60 minutes of game play. Hardly basketball, but considerably more than European football. This seems to be a good mix - you don't want to miss a scoring play and fortunately you (more often than not) know when a scoring play is coming. When there's a surprise, such as a defensive touchdown, it's typically one of the more exciting plays of an entire game.

Importance of defense
Defense is cricially important in American Football. Unlike many sports - defensive specialists are heralded as stars. Defensive can also score points in American football (something that doesn't happen in many other sports).

So there you have it… seven reasons why American football is a superior sport to watch. Bring on football season!

Also, check it out for a great NFL power rankings.