A wheel route begins with a release toward the flat and then turns upfield near the sideline. It makes a short outside threat become a vertical one. Running backs often run it, but tight ends and receivers can use…

A Texas route, often called an angle route, sends an eligible receiver toward the flat before a sharp break back inside. The outside movement tries to widen the defender; the inside cut attacks the space that…

Blitz pickup is the offense's work of identifying and accounting for added pass rushers. The line, quarterback, running back and other protectors must share the assignment before anyone can execute the block.

An audible is a change communicated before the snap after the offense sees the defense. It can replace the play or adjust a particular part, such as run direction, protection or a receiver's assignment.

The NFL fined Dallas and New Orleans $500,000 each after joint practice fights. Here is what changed, what did not and what comes next.

Stick is a passing combination that places a short settling route inside and a flat route outside, often with a vertical route clearing space. The quarterback reads how an underneath defender distributes himself…

Trips places three eligible receiving threats to one side of the formation. A common version is called 3 by 1: three distributed to one side, one to the other, with the remaining eligible player usually in the backfield.

The classic Smash concept pairs an outside hitch with an inside corner route. One route offers a short completion while the other breaks toward the sideline at a deeper level. The quarterback looks for the defender…

NFL preseason wins, losses and player statistics are recorded separately from regular season results. They do not improve a team's regular season record or playoff tiebreakers. Every club begins the regular season at…

Seattle signed Trevon Diggs to a one-year deal. Here's the confirmed role, the health risk, and the evidence that will decide whether he starts.