skill positions

[John Grasso]

On Monday Night Football they list the Offensive Linemen and then list
the "Skill Positions" (receivers, running backs, etc).

Everytime I see that I wonder how many offensive linemen are upset with
the implication that no skill is required to play their position. I'm surprised
there hasn't been a formal complaint about the terminology.

[JuggernautJ]

I often thought it took more "skill" to play center and call the offensive line signals than to play wide out and run a fly pattern every play... but maybe that's just me...

I'm pretty sure that as the center I was the only person on the offense, other than the QB, who knew every player's assignment on any (and every) given play. It sometimes seemed as if some of our receivers didn't even know the whole route tree...

I guess it depends on your definition of the word "skill..."

[NWebster]

And apparently no single position on defense requires "skill".

[Rupert Patrick]

I guess it depends on your definition of the word "skill..."

To too many, it is sad to admit, it means skill at earning fantasy points.

[bachslunch]

My guess is that "skill" is being defined as "those who handle the ball on a regular basis, unless you're a center." IOW, QB, RB, WR, TE. FWIW. And that concludes today's episode of "Acronym Stew."

Though I've also seen folks suggest that left tackle, for one, should be considered such.