Pass rush
On defense in American football, rushing is charging across the line of scrimmage towards the quarterback or kicker in the effort to stop or "sack" them.[1] The purpose is tackling, hurrying or flushing the quarterback, or blocking or disrupting a kick. In both college and professional football, getting a strong pass rush is an important skill, as an average quarterback will often be able to be productive, even against a strong secondary, if he has lots of time to pass the ball. Teams will sometimes use a pass-rushing specialist.[2]
One of the most effective methods of rushing the passer is by using a stunt.[3] Teams will improve their pass rush by blitzing, which sends additional men at the quarterback. The rules on tackling a quarterback are fairly protective, and very protective in regards of the kicker. This has resulted in most teams sending few men at the kicker, as the risk of drawing a penalty is too great to justify the low chance of blocking a kick.
References
- ^ "4 key components to a pass rush plan - Youth Football - USA Football - Football's National Governing Body".
- ^ Long, Howie; Czarnecki, John (8 March 2011). "Football For Dummies". John Wiley & Sons – via Google Books.
- ^ Bass, Tom (15 June 1991). "Play Football The NFL Way: Position by Position Techniques and Drills for Offense and Special Teams". Macmillan – via Google Books.