How'd they get that shot? Our photographers' favorite NFL photos of the season -- and the stories behind them

I'm USA TODAY editor-in-chief Nicole Carroll, and this is The Backstory, insights into our biggest stories of the week. If you'd like to get The Backstory in your inbox every week, sign up here.

You might think quick reflexes are how photographers capture great football images.

But that's just the bare minimum, says Cincinnati Enquirer photojournalist Kareem Elgazzar.

"The key for me is anticipation based on experience," he said. "Where is the ball going? Based on the offensive or defensive formation, what is going to happen? Get there first and make a strong photo."

Arizona Republic's Michael Chow said that of course you have to keep up with the downs and yardage, but photographers also must understand the tendencies of players and strategy of coaches.

"Like in baseball, knowing the batter just grounded to second his last at-bat tells you there’s a good chance he’ll hit it that way again and to focus on the second baseman," he said.

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