In American football, a quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before they can throw a forward pass. This occurs when defensive players successfully penetrate the offensive line or evade blocking attempts to bring down the quarterback. For this play to officially be recorded, the quarterback must be attempting to pass the ball; otherwise, it is recorded as a rushing attempt by the quarterback.
This defensive maneuver is a significant play that can disrupt the offensive strategy, resulting in a loss of yardage and potentially forcing a change in down. A high number can be indicative of a strong pass rush and effective defensive line play. Historically, tracking this particular play provides insights into the evolution of defensive strategies and the increasing importance of quarterback protection in the modern game.
