NFL Football Explained: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Game

Question
Hi
I am starting to watch NFL football. It sure is complicated compared to my other sport soccer!
Can you give me some basic guidelines on what to watch for to better appreciate the game?
I know the basic rules, but not much about offense vs. defense positions, plays, flags? - seems to be a lot of stoppages with time for commercials ;-).
Where the ball is put after different calls, etc.
Thanks for some coaching!  

Answer
Dear Bud,
American football can be a complicated sport at first but with time it becomes a joy. Here is a web-link that might help you understand the game.


http://www.amazon.com/Football-Made-Simple-Spectators-Spectator/dp/1884309127/re...

Being an American football player and later a coach, I have never had to read one of these books however I have heard good things about them. Let me know what you think.

Your friend, Louis