The quarterback sneak in football can be a big play to score or keep drives alive, but they also have negative consequences if they fail. QB sneaks frequently result in small yardage gains but could be just what the offensive team needs.
What is a quarterback sneak in football?
A quarterback sneak is when the quarterback runs the ball through the middle of the offensive line. The QB receives the ball from the center and makes an effort to get the yardage needed for the first down or touchdown.
Key Takeaways
Quarterback sneaks are mainly used for short-yardage situations on 3rd and 4th downs.
Teams have to weigh the benefits and consequences of converting and failing a QB sneak.
QB sneaks are often expected by the other team but still have a very high conversion rate.
Statistics show that QB sneaks are more successful than a running back carrying the ball in short-yardage situations.
Who invented the quarterback sneak?
The QB sneak has origins all the back to 1912 and Yale’s Graham Winkelbaum. Winkelbaum used it in a game against Harvard. It has become a relatively common play in football.
How do quarterback sneaks work?
Quarterback sneaks work by QB’s receiving the ball from the center and driving through the offensive line with the intent to get across the first down marker. This play’s success depends on if the offensive line can push the defensive line back far enough for the QB to sneak past the first down marker or goal line. QBs often do so by diving across the line.
When do QB sneaks happen?
QB sneaks are used only on very short-yardage situations and late in drives. These plays usually only happen on 3rd or 4th down with no more than two yards to get the first down. They also tend to happen later in games and closer toward midfield than anywhere else.
How often do QB sneaks work?
When used properly, QB sneaks can be very effective. They are known to be the most beneficial play in short-yardage situations. QB sneaks typically happen no more than a couple of times a game, if they happen at all. From 1998 until 2015, QB sneaks were successful on 4th & 1 about 83% of the time, compared to 63% on non-QB other running plays.
Are QB sneaks really sneaky?
Despite the name “QB sneak,” the play is not very secretive. The defense usually anticipates a quarterback sneak and piles up their defensive line. Quarterback sneaks are very successful, and many believe to be underused, even though they aren’t exactly sneaky.
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How do you stop a QB sneak?
Teams stop a QB sneak by, overpowering the offensive line and getting to the QB before getting the yardage needed. Teams will usually put almost everyone on the defensive line, and still, offenses have a good chance of getting to their target. Stopping a QB sneak is much more complicated than it sounds.
Who is the best at quarterback sneaks?
Tom Brady stands out as the most effective quarterback sneaking in the NFL. Since 2001, Brady leads the NFL with nearly 140 cumulative expected points added from QB sneaks. Drew Brees is in second with just over 75. Brady has had about 160 sneak attempts, more than 85 more than Brees.
Are QB sneaks dangerous?
QB sneaks can be dangerous for multiple reasons. The first reason is that the QB is putting himself in harm’s way with many guys much bigger than him trying to tackle him. This can lead to the quarterback fumbling and turning the ball over or the quarterback getting injured. QB sneaks are also dangerous because failing to convert them on a 4th down would lead to the other team taking over.
Other QB sneak options
Some teams put in other players to run as the quarterback in the wildcat formation. These players usually line up as a running back, full back, wide receiver, or tight end. Teams also use big guys, such as players that generally line up on the defensive line, to come in and get the short-yardage by powering over the defense.
Is the center sneak legal?
Center sneaks are not legal. The ball must completely leave the center’s hands during the snapping motion for the play to be legal.
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