Football is a game of strategy, strength, and skill. One of the most important positions in the game is the quarterback – and part of the reason for that is because quarterbacks are often the target of sacks. But what is a sack in football? Let’s break it down.
What is the definition of a sack in football?
A sack is a defensive play in football where a defensive player tackles the quarterback before the quarterback can release the ball. It is generally considered a good defensive play because it can cause a loss of yardage for the opposing team, and it can also force a fumble or an interception if the quarterback drops the ball.
Sacks can also be made on other players, such as the running back or wide receiver, but these are less common and not as valuable to the defense.
How is a sack scored in football?
According to the NFL rulebook, a sack is credited to a defensive player when he “tackles the passer behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of yardage.” The defensive player must be the one to initiate contact with the quarterback, and the quarterback must be in possession of the ball. If the quarterback is scrambling or running with the ball, a tackle behind the line of scrimmage may still result in a loss of yardage, but it will not be considered a sack.
Some important things to note about sacks:
- The sack happens when the quarterback hits the ground
- The defense is credited with the sack and the offense is penalized with a loss of yards
- If a quarterback throws the ball away intentionally to avoid a sack, it is not considered a sack
Sacks are a crucial part of football, as they can help determine the outcome of a game. But who has the record for the most sacks in a season or career?
Who holds the record for most sacks in a season and career in the NFL?
The single-season sack record is held by Michael Strahan, who recorded 22.5 sacks during the 2001 season while playing for the New York Giants. The career sack record is held by Bruce Smith, who had 200 sacks over his 19-year career playing for the Buffalo Bills and the Washington Football Team.
These records show just how important sacks can be in the game of football. But what are some other factors that contribute to a sack?
What are the other factors that contribute to a sack?
While a sack is ultimately the result of a defensive player getting to the quarterback, there are many factors that can contribute to a sack:
Defensive playcalling:
When designing a defensive scheme, coaches will often develop blitz packages that are specifically designed to get to the quarterback. These blitzes may involve sending more players than the offense can block, or they may involve tricking the offensive linemen into blocking the wrong player.
“The key to a good blitz package is to vary the blitzes throughout the game so the offense can’t get comfortable,” says former NFL defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. “You want to keep the offense on its toes and make them guess.”
Offensive line performance:
The offensive line is responsible for protecting the quarterback from the defense. If the offensive linemen do not block effectively, the defense will have an easier time getting to the quarterback. Factors that can impact offensive line performance include injuries, fatigue, and lack of experience.
Quarterback decision-making:
In some cases, a quarterback may hold onto the ball too long, allowing the defense to get closer to him. Additionally, if the quarterback is not familiar with the defensive scheme, he may be more likely to get sacked.
Understanding the factors that contribute to a sack can help a defensive coach design better schemes to get to the quarterback.
Conclusion
Sacks are an important part of football, as they can help a defensive team gain an advantage and cause turnovers. Understanding the rules and mechanics of a sack can help fans appreciate the significance of a well-timed tackle.
References
Phillips, Wade. (2018). Wade Phillips Defensive Playbook. Human Kinetics.