Tackling the quarterback before he can throw a pass.
tackling the quarterback before he can get off a pass.
tackling a ball carrier who intends to throw a forward pass. A sack is also awarded if a player forces a fumble of the ball, or the ball carrier to go out of bounds, behind the line of scrimmage on an apparent intended forward pass play. The term gained currency ca. 1970.
a tackle of the quarterback behind his line of scrimmage.
when the quarterback is tackled in the offenses own backfield, it is a sacking. The offensive team would lose yards because the quarterback would be behind the line of scrimmage at the time of the sack
When the quarterback is tackled in the backfield while attempting to pass.
when the quarterback is tackled before he gets a chance to pass the ball
This term refers to a defensive player who tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. This play results in a loss of yardage by the offense. Any member of the defense can sack the quarterback, but it most often occurs by linebackers or defensive linemen.
A tackle of the quarterback for a loss of yardage. All time leader in sacks is Bruce Smith, all time leader for one season is Michael Strahan.