For offensive linemen, who depend on the cadence from the quarterback to determine when they should go, being able to hear and concentrate keeps them from making false starts.
Lehigh University offensive line coach John Powers has played and coached the offensive linemen position for several years.
According to Powers, having a silent count can be very vital in helping the offense get the play off in hostile situations.
"When we're doing a silent count, we clasp our hands and ask the guards to use peripheral vision on the ball," he said. "And when we unclasp our hands the tackles will know when to move. We do that if we play in a noisy stadium like the University of Delaware; we also do it just for the ability of not using the set count."
The silent count can also play a huge role in slowing down a very aggressive defense. Sometimes, if a quarterback falls into a trend with his snap count, the defense may be able to get a jump on when the ball will be snapped. And for anyone who has played or knows anything about the offensive line, any type of advantage by a defensive player can result in busted play. So, in order to neutralize the aggressiveness on defense, the offense may go with a silent count.
The part that makes the silent count effective is that it's hard for the defense to get a jump on the ball when they're waiting on the snap of the ball. But, having a silent count may also work against the offensive lineman. Most offensive linemen will tell you that knowing when the ball will be snapped allows for them to get a small advantage off the ball. But when the offense chooses to use a silent count, most times everyone will be watching for the movement of the football putting both the offense and the defensive line on an equal playing field.
Now, for audibles with offensive linemen, it all comes down to everyone basically knowing what play has been called and what adjustments need to be made. A lot of people think that audibles only affect quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs, but, if the offensive linemen don't know the play has been changed, then that could result in a big play for the defense.
"The offensive lineman is just going to listen to what is being called at the line and make sure that he knows exactly what to do," Powers said. "A quarterback calling an audible is basically switching the call or play in the huddle due to defensive adjustment, so not only does the offensive line but everyone has to adjust."
So who handles the audible for the offensive line? "Usually the center will handle all the defensive front calls," Powers said. "And that in turn sets a chain reaction in motion."
Usually the center will handle all the defensive front calls and that in turn sets a chain reaction in motion.
