Cadence is critical to keeping an offense in line

Offensive linemen have some built-in disadvantages. They're typically not as athletic as the defenders they line up against. When they pass block they're in a backpedal, whereas pass rushers are running straight ahead. The one real advantage offensive linemen have is knowing when the ball will be snapped, which is why the quarterback's intelligent use of cadence is so important.

Cadence is the way the quarterback calls the snap count. By adjusting the speed and inflection of his delivery, he can try to give his linemen an edge.

A normal snap count might be "Set, blue 85, blue 85, hut." That would be on one. On two it would be "Set, blue 85, blue 85, hut, hut." Over the course of a game the quarterback varies the count and tries to be as non-rhythmic as possible. A steady, even cadence becomes too easy for defenders to decipher.

If a defense shifts a lot, the quarterback can use a quick count. He might call for the snap on "second sound" which means he says, "Set, hut!" and the ball is snapped. That not only limits defensive movement, but it also gives his linemen, who know what's coming, the chance to fire out of their stances quicker.

A hard count is where the quarterback really changes his voice inflection. If the count is a hard two he'll say, "Set, blue 85, blue 85, HUT, hut." The snap is on the second hut, but he'll shout out the first one. That's a great way to draw the defense offside. The best I ever saw with a hard count was Steve Beuerlein. When he came to the Cowboys in 1991, he had offensive linemen jumping offside in practice for two days. And these were the guys who knew the count!

That's the thing about cadence--you can fool your teammates as well as the defense. It takes a lot of work to get it right, but all that jumping offside by players on both sides of the ball can be disruptive to a practice. So, many teams don't work on cadence as much as they should.

The understanding of when to use a particular count--I never used a hard count at the goal line, for instance, because it was too noisy for my teammates to hear my inflection--comes with experience. Not surprisingly, the quarterbacks who use cadence most effectively are veterans such as Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. It's not the most glamorous of their abilities, but used the right way at the right time, cadence can be deadly to defenses.

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DRAFT DISH By War Room scouts

Playing in a system that showcases tight ends, Miami's Kevin Everett has displayed big-time skills and ability. A playmaker in the red zone, Everett has excellent hands and does well adjusting to the ball and using his body. He's on track to he the first tight end taken, but that might not occur in the first round.... Cincinnati QB Gino Guidugli's tremendous improvement this season is making him a serious Day 2 consideration. Guidugli has an NFL-caliber arm and is accurate. In the past, he tended to scramble too quickly, but he has made great strides in making reads and being patient.... Texas A&M WR Terrence Murphy hasn't been putting up enormous numbers, but he's an exciting player. At 6-0, Murphy lacks ideal height, but he is strong and tough, runs great routes and has excellent speed. His big-play potential will make him a Day 1 selection.... With all the quality running hacks in this year's class. Northwestern's Noah Herron has had to fight to get noticed. He has good size (5-11, 230) and is extremely difficult to bring down; he has the power to run over defenders. Though he lacks a burst, Herron is a good developmental prospect. More than one team will think he's worthy of a late second-day pick.

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