The quarterback gives the ball to a carrier running in one direction, who then hands the ball to a carrier running in the other direction. A trick play.

Spearing – A penalty where the tackler’s first contact with the ball carrier is with his head

Rollout – Part of an offensive play where the quarterback runs to one side of the offensive backfield looking to pass the ball. Usually used to run away from defenders.

Slobberknocker – A hard hit by a defender

Sack – A tackle of the quarterback for a loss of yardage. All time leader in sacks is Bruce Smith, all time leader for one season is Michael Strahan.

Safety valve – A running back or receiver that the quarterback will look to pass to if all other receivers are covered. Usually the safety valve will not be too far away from the quarterback. Passing distance will be minimal, but avoids a sack.

Salary cap – The amount of money that an NFL team ount increases each year and is expected to be approximately $83.4 million in 2004.

Screen – A passing play where the offensive linemen allow the defense to go past them after the quarterback, while a receiver or running back runs behind the offensive line to catch a pass from the quarterback. The goal is to have many defenders chasing the quarterback, who passes to the running back before getting sacked.

Seam – 1. An area of the field on the edges of a defensive zone. An area that may cause confusion to the defensive coverage. 2. A route where a receiver runs downfield for 8-10 yards, and then angles in towards the center. Essentially a fly that changes angles. The receiver does not generally break and will be heading downfield at all times during the routes.

Shotgun – 1. An offensive formation where the quarterback is backed up behind the center. Used primarily in hot or not reviews passing situations. 2. What Mike Martz might be looking to use on himself after not going for a touchdown in his last playoff game of the 2003 season.

Shoulder dislocation – When the arm comes out of its socket. Occurs when the arm is twisted in an awkward direction.

Shoulder separation – A separation of the two bones that form the “point” of the shoulder. A separation of the AC or acromioclavicular joint. Can occur when a quarterback is knocked to the ground directly onto his shoulder. May require surgery.

Shovel pass – A passing motion where the quarterback “pushes” the ball rather than over – or under-hand throws it.

Single-wing – An offensive formation that was once the standard for all teams but now is never used in the NFL or major college football and rarely used at any level. In the single wing, the ball is snapped to the tailback, who can then run or pass. The quarterback, fullback and halfback are primarily blockers. Coach Glenn “Pop” Warner (no relation to Malcolm Jamal) developed the single wing and used it in the early 20th century.

Spot – When used as a noun, it is the place where the ball was when the ball carrier was tackled, stopped or went out of bounds. When used as a verb, it’s the officials putting the ball where the ball carrier was stopped.

Spread – 1. The number of points that Las Vegas assigns to the favored team in order to get equal money bet on both teams. 2. A type of offensive formation with multiple receivers line up far from the tackles and/or tight end. 3. The layout of food at a Super Bowl party. Usually includes meats (gotta have meat), chili, various pastas, beer and oh yeah, meats.