Changes

*The quarterback may hand the ball off to a rusher (usually a [[fullback]], [[halfback]], or [[runningback]]), who will attempt to run the ball down the field as far as they can before being stopped by the defense.

*The quarterback may hand the ball off to a rusher (usually a [[fullback]], [[halfback]], or [[runningback]]), who will attempt to run the ball down the field as far as they can before being stopped by the defense.

*The quarterback may opt to throw the ball to a receiver (usually a [[wide receiver]] or [[tight end]]) who is already several yards down the field. Once the receiver catches the ball, he may continue to run until brought down by a defensive player. If the receiver does not catch the ball, it is called an ''incomplete pass''.

*The quarterback may opt to throw the ball to a receiver (usually a [[wide receiver]] or [[tight end]]) who is already several yards down the field. Once the receiver catches the ball, he may continue to run until brought down by a defensive player. If the receiver does not catch the ball, it is called an ''incomplete pass''.

*The quarterback may spike the ball at the ground to stop the game clock, at the expense of a loss of yardage.

*The quarterback may spike the ball at the ground to stop the game clock, at the expense of a loss of a down.

*The quarterback may run the ball down the field himself; this option is usually unwise, as an injury to the quarterback can be destructive to an entire team for the whole season.  

*The quarterback may run the ball down the field himself; this option is usually unwise, as an injury to the quarterback can be destructive to an entire team for the whole season.