A sack is one of the most exciting plays in football. It can change the momentum of a game, and it can lead to turnovers. Sacks are energizing plays for the defense in football.
What is a sack in football?
The definition of a sack in football is a play where the defense tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage while the QB has possession of the ball.
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 stats used the term “dumping the passer” or “dump.” Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones coined and popularized the term “sack” in the 1960s. Before the sack, football experts referred to the play as a tackle of the QB for a loss.
Coach George Allen inspired Jones’s use of the term when in a motivational speech to the team, Allen said, “Before we play those Dallas Cowboys, we’re going to take that Morton salt and pour him into a sack.” So, Allen gets the assist, but it was really Jones who brought the term into use.
Who gets a sack?
Only defensive players can record sacks. It’s possible for any member of the defense to get a sack. Still, they are usually recorded by defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs who are part of the pass rush. A sack occurs in the offensive team’s backfield.
How much is a sack worth in the NFL?
Sacks are precious in football, but they don’t directly translate to the score. Since a sack can be so difficult for offenses to overcome on the same drive, they are among the most valuable plays in football.
What is a 0.5 sack?
When multiple players bring down the quarterback during a sack, each player is credited with a 0.5 sack or a half-sack. Otherwise, the player to bring down the quarterback on a sack will be credited with a 1.0 sack, a full sack.
Is it a sack if the QB is running?
Even if the quarterback has no intentions of passing the ball, if the QB fails to make it back to the line of scrimmage, it is still a sack. Whenever the quarterback kneels in victory formation, there will not be a sack credited to anyone.
What is the difference between a tackle and a sack?
A tackle is when a defensive player forces a player to stop his forward progress, resulting in the stoppage of a play. Most tackles end in the offensive player being tackled to the ground, but they can also be forced out of bounds, or the officials can stop the play for player safety.
A sack is when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage. A tackle can happen anywhere on the field, but a sack only occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage.
Does a sack count as a tackle?
When a player records a sack, that player also records a tackle. They get a tallie for both a sack and a tackle on the same play. The NFL didn’t start giving credit to players for sacks until 1982. The closest player nearby will get credit for the sack on plays where the QB is sacked out of bounds or throws himself to the ground.
NFL sacks leaders of recent history
1. Terrell Suggs- The Ravens legend won two Super Bowls and recorded 139 sacks throughout his career.
2. Von Miller- Has 106 sacks and one Super Bowl ring throughout his ongoing career with the Denver Broncos.
3. JJ Watt- Though plagued by injury, he has still managed to get 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- Recorded 98 sacks with the Miami Dolphins before adding 2.5 sacks in 2019 with the Titans.
5. Justin Houston- Spent eight seasons with the Chiefs, where he led the NFL with 22 sacks in 2014. He signed with the Colts in 2019, where he has recorded 97.5 sacks throughout his career.
Who are the best NFL sackers of all time?
1. Bruce Smith- Set an NFL record with 200 career sacks throughout his 18-year career with the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins.
2. Reggie White- Recorded 198 sacks and won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers.
3. Deacon Jones- Played before the NFL kept track of sacks, but is estimated to have recorded 173.5 sacks and had his number 75 retired by the Los Angeles Rams.
4. Kevin Greene- Had 160 career sacks before spending time as a linebackers coach with the Packers and Jets.
5. Julius Peppers- Retired in 2018 after a decorated 16-year career with 159.5 sacks. Also, set an NFL record with 55 forced fumbles.
So, when you watch your next football game, check and see how much sacks make a difference in team momentum and the eventual outcome of the game.
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