OT: Quarterback Sack Definition Clarity
If a QB drops back, and his intent is to pass it, however, after 5 seconds everyone is covered and the pocket is collapsing and he sees/feels pressure, so his intent is now to run it .... he runs forward a few yards but does not pass the line of scrimmage before he is tackled.
Is this a sack? Or simply a TFL?
September 12th, 2017 at 9:14 AM ^
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers-questions/2009/01/19/The-di…
http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/more-sports/whats-the-difference-bet…
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
September 12th, 2017 at 9:21 AM ^
From the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:
If statisticians determine that he was not going to pass, then it's not a sack. If one player sacks the QB, he gets the sack. If two get to him, they each get a half. If three get him, they have to pick two because there's nothing less than half a sack.
September 12th, 2017 at 9:31 AM ^
The rule should be if a QB has the ability to complete a forward pass within the rules of the game but he is tackled behind the line of scrimmage, it is a sack.
If any OL release downfield, it's a TFL.
September 12th, 2017 at 10:32 AM ^
I am sure in most cases it is called a sack. Exceptions being clear QB designed runs and pressure/coverage breakdowns causing QBs to TUCK the ball and run forward.
September 12th, 2017 at 10:08 PM ^
September 13th, 2017 at 8:43 AM ^
One critical difference between a legal pass play and a run play is how the OL blocks.
September 12th, 2017 at 9:22 AM ^
So as long as the QB shows intent to pass at any time, and he is tackled behind the line, it is considered a sack? Some of these bootlegs or rollouts must be tough to judge. Some QB's look like they are going to run it, and at the last minute on a rollout raise the ball above the waist and pass at last minute. Hell, Denard used to do something similar on one of my favorite RR plays (usually to Gallon).
September 12th, 2017 at 9:31 AM ^
Nom nom nom nom nom
September 12th, 2017 at 9:32 AM ^
I think the scenario the OP outlines is the classic definition of a "coverage sack." That's an actual stat, right?
September 12th, 2017 at 9:33 AM ^
As long as my quarterback can make all the throws, I don't care how well-defined his sack is. Maybe shave it a little, but definition? Nah...
September 12th, 2017 at 9:36 AM ^
I would assume they also look at the lineman. If they are past the line of scrimmage, it couldn't/shouldn't be a pass and therefore would be a TFL.
September 12th, 2017 at 9:36 AM ^
From the NCAA Football Statistics Rules:
"...a quarterback drops back to pass, is pressured by a defensive player Benson and then pulls down the ball to run. He then is tackled by defensive player Brown before reaching the line of scrimmage. Credit defensive player Brown with a solo pass sack, a solo tackle, and a solo tackle for loss for all the yards lost."
The sack rules are on pages 17-18.
http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/Stats_Manuals/Football/2017ez.pdf
September 12th, 2017 at 10:11 AM ^
In other words player Brown hit the tackle trifecta.
September 12th, 2017 at 10:59 AM ^
September 12th, 2017 at 6:45 PM ^
September 12th, 2017 at 9:38 AM ^
September 12th, 2017 at 9:43 AM ^
Harbaugh got his wish, Gary was credited with 0.5 sacks against Florida. Get your tiny flags and wave 'em!
September 12th, 2017 at 10:30 AM ^
Sure, I'll wave my tiny flag from my tiny pole due to half of a sack. But I'm still a big man if I do it.
September 12th, 2017 at 10:36 AM ^
Hey man, I don't need to hear about your tiny pole, your sack, your manhood, etc.
September 12th, 2017 at 9:47 AM ^
- A QB drops back, but then quickly takes off on a designed draw. He's tackled for a loss. Not a sack.
- A QB drops back, sees his first passing option is covered, panics and takes off running. He's tackled for a loss. Sack.
It should all just be TFLs.
September 12th, 2017 at 10:42 AM ^
I think it depends on whether you are looking at team sacks or individual sacks. Team sacks seem to give you a pretty decent idea of how good a defense is at rushing the passer. A team with 20 sacks isn't very good, a team with 40 sacks is outstanding. But it doesn't really matter which specific players are actually tackling the QB.
To that end, sacks for individual players does seem like a fairly arbitrary statistic. If one particular DL is crushing the pocket down-after-down, he might get double- or triple-teamed and not actually record very many sacks, while his single-blocked teammates pick them up in spades. Seems like pressures is the more useful stat for individual rushers.
September 12th, 2017 at 9:46 AM ^
September 12th, 2017 at 10:48 AM ^
Must *every* action be seen through the lens of class struggle?
September 12th, 2017 at 10:59 AM ^
September 12th, 2017 at 12:00 PM ^
I could upvote this like 30 times. Big fan of multi-layered awesomeness.
September 12th, 2017 at 9:54 AM ^
September 12th, 2017 at 10:19 AM ^
At Band Camp...
September 12th, 2017 at 10:29 AM ^
obliterates you outside of your cubicle, it is most definitely a sack.
September 12th, 2017 at 11:17 AM ^
September 12th, 2017 at 11:32 AM ^
Does that count as a sack since it would have resulted in one if the qb hadn't dumped the ball before being tackled? It seems fair that it would count and the closest pursuer(s) would get credit. Just wondering.
September 12th, 2017 at 11:51 AM ^
Credit the defensive player who pressures a QB into intentional grounding with a sack. From the NCAA book:
"When a passer is pressured into throwing an intentionally grounded pass, the defensive player who exerted the pressure is credited with a solo pass sack, a solo tackle, and a solo tackle for loss for the yards lost to the spot of the foul. The passer is not charged with a pass attempt, but is charged with a rush attempt and yards lost to the spot of the foul. Since the ensuing penalty is loss of down at the spot of the foul, charge the offensive team with a penalty for no yards."