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Originally Posted by Iowanian
I don't quite want to let this go yet....
(I'm no QB but will do my best as I understand it)
The 3,5,7 step drops refer to how many steps back the quarterback takes from the center once he gets the ball. The Number of steps is associated with the timing of the play. For example, a 3 step drop is likely to be a slant pattern under the LB or CB or possibly a quick screen.....where as a 7 step drop, allows more time for the deeper routes to develop, and gives the QB a wider Cone View of the field.
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That is basically correct. There's also the shotgun formation, where the Quarterback lines up a distance of usually 5 yards or more behind the Center away from the line of scrimmage. Thus when the ball is snapped, it must be thrown through the air between the Center's legs to the Quarterback in order for the Quarterback to receive the ball for play to begin. The advantage of this position is that it is safer for the Quarterback, because he is less likely to be sacked and is usually used for passing plays, such as a Hail Mary. It generally has two or more Wide Receivers at the far ends of the line of scrimmage. The disadvantage of this position is that there is a greater chance due to the ball being snapped from the Center to the Quarterback, that the ball might be fumbled or a high snap over the Quarterback's head.
The shotgun formation got its name after it was used by a professional football club, the San Francisco 49ers, in 1960. It was said to be like a "shotgun" in spraying receivers around the field like a scatter-shot gun.