Have you played football or watched a game closely? If so, you must have heard the QB’s ritualistic chant before the action begins. It goes something like this: “Down. Blue 85. Ready. Hike!” Ever wondered what these words mean? It is known as a cadence. So, what exactly is a cadence, and why is it such a crucial part of the game?
Understanding QB Cadences
Cadence is the quarterback’s unique code— a set of words and numbers announced once everyone is in position. While it varies across teams, it almost always concludes with a command like “hut,” “hike,” or “go.”
This signal prompts the center to snap the football and alerts the rest of the offense that the action is beginning.
Originally, cadence was a strategic pause for offensive players to get their timing right. Rather than a quick “hike,” the QB would run through a set of calls to help everyone sync up. This gave the offense an edge over the defense.
But as the game evolves, offensive coaches creatively transform cadences and use them to their advantage. While youth teams might stick to basic calls, advanced levels of football, e.g., college football and the NFL, go much more in-depth.
Mastering the Cadence Rhythm
Visualize a football offense as a perfectly synchronized orchestra, where every player’s move is crucial to creating a harmonious performance. Just like in music, one misstep can throw everything off.
As seen in this video shared by FinsXtra on X, QBs like Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes often start the play with the cadence “White 80, White 80 set hut!”. While some believe that repeatedly using the same cadence might be a disadvantage, it actually provides a strategic edge.
QB cadences around the NFL 🔊
🗣️ Tua Tagovailoa: “White 18! Hut! (@NFLonFOX) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/5RdxLuKmYk
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) January 10, 2025
When the defense gets used to hearing “White 80, White 80 set hut!” the QB can use this familiarity to their advantage by changing the timing.
For example, snapping the ball on the second “hut” instead of the first can catch the defense off guard, causing them to jump offsides or granting the offense free play.
Audibles Through a Cadence
QBs can use the cadence to call an audible or modify the current play on the fly. When a QB approaches the line of scrimmage and notices that the play called in the huddle might not work against the defense’s formation, they can quickly change.
One method to signal this is through the cadence. For example, the QB might shout, “Check, Check,” followed by a new play call. After this, they’ll proceed with their usual cadence, and the offense will execute the new plan.
Another way to indicate a change is through the cadence itself. If the QB typically uses “Blue 80,” they might switch to “Black” to signal an audible. The numbers that follow “Black” will then inform the players of the new play.
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In modern football, offenses use cadence to keep defenses guessing. They can audibly switch plays in real-time, adapting to the ever-shifting defensive formations.
Cadence also allows quarterbacks to survey the field for potential opportunities before the play begins, setting the stage for tactical brilliance.
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