The wide receiver position in football is responsible for catching forward passes from the quarterback. Because this position lines up near the sideline, it earned the name wide receiver.
In most offensive formations, there will be two to three wide receivers on the field. They are generally set up near the sidelines on either side of the field.
It is pertinent to note that wide receivers can line up in many different areas along the field. In between the wide receiver and the formation, there is often another receiver referred to as a slot receiver.
There is no specific build for wide receivers, as many different skill sets and sizes can excel at this position. One thing wide receivers must be able to do is catch the ball consistently.
Other positions that catch passes include RBs, TEs, and FBs, as well as the WR.
What Is The Role Of A Wide Receiver In Football?
You may be wondering what exactly WRs do on the field now that you know what they are.
Football’s wide receivers catch passes from the quarterback. On offense, they must find open spaces down the field and catch the ball.
In rushing plays, wide receivers must block defensive backs in front of them to create space for the ball carrier.
As such, wide receivers are mostly valued for their ability to catch passes and get open.
Route Running as a WR
Blocking Runs as a Wide Receiver
In addition to their role in the passing game, WRs also play a role in the running game.
The wide receiver will be lined up out wide with a CB in front of him prior to each play starting.
It is the wide receiver’s responsibility to block the cornerback during the rushing play so that he is unable to tackle the ball carrier.
Because running backs carry the ball in the middle of the field, these blocks are usually inconsequential.
Wide receivers must ensure their man does not get in the way of the running back if the ball carrier runs towards the sideline.
Clearing Out With Deep Routes
Wide receivers are also responsible for clearing deep routes from defensive players.
A wide receiver is lucky if he receives ten throws throughout a game, so on a large number of plays he won’t touch the ball.
It is possible for a wide receiver to assist an offense without touching the ball if he runs deep routes that clear out safeties and cornerbacks.
In order to stop a deep pass when a receiver runs deep into the defensive backfield, defenders must run with him.
This strategy can be helpful on running plays or plays where the offense throws a short pass.
By pulling the defenders away from the line of scrimmage, the ball carrier is able to gain more yards.
Conclusion
A Wide Receiver in football is an offensive position that catches passes from the quarterback.
They can block, but their primary responsibility is catching passes and separating from defenders. Wide receivers are usually found on the field for the offense.
This is all you need to know about the WR position in football. Check out some other guides on the OT or OG positions.