What is a sack in football?

In American football, a sack occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before they can throw a forward pass. Essentially, it's a tackle for loss that specifically targets the quarterback while they are attempting to pass.

Here are some key aspects:

• Definition: The quarterback must be in a passing posture. If they're running with the ball, it's a tackle for loss, not a sack.

• Attribution: Usually, the defensive player who makes the initial contact resulting in the sack is credited with it. Sometimes, sacks are split between multiple players if they contribute equally.

• Impact: Sacks are negative plays that result in a loss of yardage for the offense. They can disrupt drives, force punts, and reduce scoring opportunities. They are also important for defensive strategy.

• Statistics: Sacks are a key defensive statistic, showcasing a player's ability to pressure the quarterback.

• Offensive line responsibility: Preventing sacks is one of the main roles of the offensive line.