Football Sack

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Sacks in Football: A Game-Changing Play

A sack is one of the most exciting and influential plays in football. It has the power to shift the momentum of a game and often leads to turnovers, making it a highly energizing play for the defense.

Definition of a Sack

In football, a sack is a play where the defense tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage while the quarterback has possession of the ball. It is a crucial defensive maneuver that disrupts the offense’s plans and can result in a loss of yards for the opposing team.

Key Takeaways

  • Sacks are executed only by members of the defense.
  • The term “sack” gained popularity in the 1960s thanks to Deacon Jones.
  • Defensive players record sacks by tackling the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.
  • There are two types of sacks, a half-sack (0.5) and a full-sack (1.0).

Origin of the Sack

Before the term “sack” was employed, NFL statistics used phrases like “dumping the passer” or “dump” to describe the play. However, it was Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones who coined and popularized the term “sack” in the 1960s. Prior to the adoption of “sack,” football experts referred to the play as a tackle of the quarterback for a loss.

The use of the term “sack” gained prominence after a motivational speech by Coach George Allen. In his speech, Allen said, “Before we play those Dallas Cowboys, we’re going to take that Morton salt and pour him into a sack.” While Allen inspired the use of the term, it was Deacon Jones who brought it into widespread use.

Who Gets a Sack?

Only defensive players can record sacks in football. While any member of the defense has the potential to get a sack, it is most commonly achieved by defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs who are part of the pass rush. A sack occurs in the offensive team’s backfield, putting them at a disadvantage.

How Much is a Sack Worth in the NFL?

Sacks are highly valuable in football, as they can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. While a sack does not directly translate to points on the scoreboard, it is a disruptive play that can be difficult for offenses to overcome in the same drive. As a result, sacks are considered among the most valuable plays in football.

Types of Sacks

There are two types of sacks recognized in football: half-sacks (0.5) and full-sacks (1.0). When multiple defensive players participate in bringing down the quarterback during a sack, each player is credited with a half-sack. On the other hand, if a single player successfully tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage, they are credited with a full sack.

Is It a Sack if the Quarterback is Running?

Even if the quarterback has no intentions of passing the ball and is running, if they fail to make it back to the line of scrimmage, it is still considered a sack. The intent of the play does not change the fact that the quarterback has been tackled behind the line of scrimmage. However, when the quarterback kneels in victory formation, it does not count as a sack.

Difference between a Tackle and a Sack

A tackle and a sack are both defensive plays in football, but they have distinct differences. A tackle occurs when a defensive player forces an offensive player to stop their forward progress, resulting in the stoppage of a play. Most tackles end with the offensive player being brought to the ground, but they can also be forced out of bounds or stopped by officials for player safety reasons.

On the other hand, a sack specifically refers to the quarterback being tackled behind the line of scrimmage. While a tackle can happen anywhere on the field, a sack occurs within the offensive team’s backfield. The primary objective of a sack is to disrupt the quarterback’s passing or running play, putting the offense at a disadvantage.

Does a Sack Count as a Tackle?

When a player records a sack, they also record a tackle. They receive credit for both a sack and a tackle on the same play. It is worth noting that the NFL did not start officially giving credit to players for sacks until 1982. In cases where the quarterback is sacked out of bounds or intentionally throws themselves to the ground, the closest player nearby will be credited with the sack.

Notable NFL Sack Leaders of Recent History

  1. Terrell Suggs: The Ravens legend won two Super Bowls and recorded an impressive 139 sacks throughout his career.

  2. Von Miller: Known for his exceptional pass-rushing skills, Miller has recorded 106 sacks and earned a Super Bowl ring during his ongoing career with the Denver Broncos.

  3. JJ Watt: Despite facing injury setbacks, Watt has managed to amass 101 sacks with the Houston Texans since entering the NFL in 2011. He is also the older brother of TJ Watt, who led the NFL with 15 sacks in 2020.

  4. Cameron Wake: With 98 sacks recorded during his time with the Miami Dolphins and an additional 2.5 sacks in 2019 with the Titans, Wake has made a significant impact on the field.

  5. Justin Houston: Spending eight seasons with the Chiefs, Houston led the NFL with 22 sacks in 2014. After signing with the Colts in 2019, he has recorded 97.5 sacks throughout his career.

The Best NFL Sackers of All Time

  1. Bruce Smith: Smith set an NFL record with an impressive 200 career sacks throughout his illustrious 18-year career with the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins.

  2. Reggie White: White, a dominant force on the field, recorded 198 sacks and won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers.

  3. Deacon Jones: Although the NFL did not officially keep track of sacks during his playing days, Jones is estimated to have achieved 173.5 sacks. His outstanding contributions led to the retirement of his number 75 jersey by the Los Angeles Rams.

  4. Kevin Greene: With an impressive total of 160 career sacks, Greene also made a mark as a linebackers coach with the Packers and Jets after retiring from playing.

  5. Julius Peppers: Peppers retired in 2018 after a decorated 16-year career, during which he recorded 159.5 sacks. Additionally, he set an NFL record with 55 forced fumbles, showcasing his exceptional defensive skills.

In conclusion, sacks play a crucial role in the game of football. They have the power to shift the momentum of a game, lead to turnovers, and put the offense at a disadvantage. Sacks are highly valued for their disruptive nature and are considered among the most valuable plays in football. Whether achieved by defensive linemen, linebackers, or defensive backs, a sack is a game-changing play that can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game.

So, the next time you watch a football game, pay close attention to the impact that sacks have on team momentum and the eventual outcome of the game.