Coaches shield visible play calls from cameras and opponents. The headset sends audio; a hand or play sheet conceals the words being spoken.

An NFL holder’s knee does not automatically end the play. Contact, surrender and other dead ball rules still apply.

Quarterbacks clap to send the center a rehearsed readiness signal, most often from shotgun. Depending on the offense, the clap can trigger the snap, begin a delayed sequence or precede another cue. There is no…

A quarterback kneels to use a down while allowing the game clock to run. With enough downs and too little time for the opponent to regain possession, the offense can finish the game without attempting a conventional…

Shedeur Sanders outplayed Deshaun Watson against Buffalo, but the Browns have not named a Week 1 starter. Here is what changed—and what did not.

Michael Penix Jr. is cleared for Falcons 11-on-11 practice. Here is what the news changes in Atlanta’s QB battle with Tua—and what it does not.

Icing the kicker means calling a timeout before an important kick to interrupt the kicking unit's routine. The coach hopes that making the snapper, holder and kicker reset will create hesitation or a mistake.

A team may deliberately concede a safety when giving away two points creates a better chance of winning than attempting an ordinary play. The usual situation is a late lead, poor field position and very little time…

A team declines a penalty when keeping the play's result is better than accepting the available enforcement. The decision compares down, distance, possession, field position and clock consequences, not simply the…

A quarterback spikes the ball to stop the game clock without spending a timeout. After receiving the snap, he immediately throws the ball into the ground. The incomplete pass stops the clock, and the offense gives up…