Well, I watched the Super Bowl for the very first time.

I have watched hardly any American Football before, and will freely admit a lot of the rules passed me by. Obviously, the tactical nuances that the commentators were discussion (and the knowledge that a regular watcher of the sport would have) went right over my head!

I really enjoyed it.

Many people seem to compare it with rugby but, as a lifelong rugby aficionado, that’s a lazy comparison, totally different sports as far as I could see. In fact, the only similarity Is the shape - but not the size - of the ball.

As it is a game wholly made up of set piece plays, it really is a tactical and strategic battle, with loads and loads of analysis and planning of the plays. With nearly no ‘open’ play, it’s harder for individual creativity to shine through. That’s not to say that these guys aren’t creative players though, especially the quarterbacks.

The complexity of the plays really impressed me. Really complicated intricate plays as far as I could tell. Some serious training drills and practice goes into those.

The strength and explosive power of some of the players was impressive, their fitness less so. I was surprised to see how bad the kickers were, bearing in mind that it’s all they do. The clear thinking under pressure of the attacking teams was really good.

The defensive guys were huge units, with a very specific and limited skill set. Nobody seemed to be able to tackle properly, and people seemed to simply launch themselves at each other like torpedos. As a newbie, I expected big hits, but there wasn’t any really. Rugby matches seem to have bigger hits, and that’s without helmets etc so no wonder there is a big issue in that game now (I understand American Football are years ahead of rugby in acknowledging brain trauma issues)

That’s my random thoughts on one of the only NFL games I have ever watched on TV .... I know there are a lots of Americans on here, so forgive my ignorance and naivety on which is undoubtedly a complex and nuanced game.

One thing that did strike me was how clean the game was. There didnt seem to be much sly punching, hits or ‘helping’ people to their feet etc. The players didn’t try to steal an extra yard when they went down. I didn’t get the impression that that the players were interested in hurting each other or anything. Very fairly contested and all that. Is that because there are so many cameras?

I will definitely watch some more NFL, I think.