noun / verb
sack
A tackle of a quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.
The linebacker sacks the quarterback before he can throw a pass.
Etymology
Football sack applies the older image of overpowering and sacking a place to bringing down the quarterback. It names a tackle behind the line of scrimmage before a pass can be made.
More examples
- Her second sack pushes the offense back eight yards.
- The quarterback scrambles away to avoid a sack.
- Our defense sacked their quarterback three times.
Forms
sack · sacks · sacked · sacking
Similar words
- tackle
- Covers bringing down any ball carrier, not just a quarterback.