This is how an NFL quarterback gets himself sacked

Sacks. The dreaded “S” word for offensive linemen. It can be such a taboo word that I’ve even had an offensive line coach refuse to say it. Besides that being hilarious to me because it has no bearing on how we actually execute pass protection, that just goes to show you the powerful association that word has in an offensive line room.

Before the days of analytics, it was the only stat associated with our name. And truthfully, it’s the only stat that still matters for us. Now, not all sacks are created equal, and while most sacks are on us, some aren’t.

Pass protection is the toughest single part of offensive line play. It’s not natural. We are going backwards against an opponent who’s quicker, faster, and sometimes stronger than us.

The best pass protectors make it look so easy and smooth. It’s artistic. They also get paid more because teams value those offensive linemen who can protect the franchise’s No. 1 asset, the quarterback.

Pass protection is rough for us because of these factors, and I’ll try my best to keep it simple and concise. This isn’t an absolute guide to pass protection but it will give you an idea of the simple fundamentals.

1. As stated above, we are moving backwards. It’s obviously not a back pedal, but our weight has to be perfectly adjusted in our stances. We must have 50/50 weight distribution and keep that moving backwards in our “kick.” It’s vital to keep a good base so we can move laterally at a moment’s notice as well as anchor for a defender bull rushing us. Being balanced is a key.
2. Once we are settled in our base settled, we must punch. And it’s not a boxer’s punch. Our punch comes from the back, and it’s a quick powerful shot. We generate power for a punch by having our feet firmly in the ground, having good balance, a strong core, and giving “just the tip.” When you run block, you roll your hips into the block. You generate power from the hips. Well, in pass pro the same principle applies, but just not as much power is needed. So you roll your hips just enough to engage your core and deliver the blow. There are multiple types of punches as well. You can two-hand, one-hand (independent hands), stack your hands, etc. Each punch is determined by the defender’s rush and your type of pass set. At a later time, I’ll write about the different pass sets for y’all.
3. So for a successful pass pro rep you must incorporate the first two things here while knowing the type of pass protection. Is it a drop back? A three-, five-, or seven-step? A play action, naked or boot, and so on? We need to know the depth of the QB to know our angles for blocking. I feel this part of pass protection isn’t discussed enough when analyzing offensive line pass pro. So this is where we can begin the conversation about sacks.

Sacks and hits are mostly on the offensive linemen. We either get physically beat, take a crap set, think we have help, and so on. This article is about the few times when it’s NOT our fault.

Most often that’s the case when the quarterback doesn’t stay at the depth they are supposed to be at, we get hit by the running back while taking a pass set, or lastly, the quarterback leaves a good pocket. I’m going to focus on the first two here. It’s easy to see when the quarterback runs out of the pocket. Not so easy to tell when a QB isn’t deep enough in their drop.

Each offensive system sets the QB depth for each protection. Some drops are 10 yards, then push to 9. Some are 9 and push to 8. A 3-step drop is only 7 yards. As offensive linemen we use these depths to understand where we are allowed to let upfield rushers continue to rush.

No matter if the sack is technically our fault, we get credited for the sack. And we get upset if that sack is not our fault. I’ve seen offensive tackles and quarterbacks get into yelling matches on the sidelines if the tackle believes the quarterback is too deep in his drop. Being too deep in the drop = sack/hit.

Let’s start the film in Cleveland. I want to add this disclaimer that for as many times as a QB’s depth screws with our protection, they save us by stepping up, or avoiding a sack. But here we go anyway.

Left tackle Joe Thomas, future Hall of Famer, against elite pass rusher Terrell Suggs. The Browns’ quarterback, Josh McCown, is supposed to drop to 9 yards, then hitch up to 8. McCown drops to 10, hitches to 9, and Suggs gets a strip sack.

That 1 yard doesn’t seem like a big difference, but it would have prevented a turnover here. It would have also changed the narrative about Thomas’ performance in the game. That sack is on the stat sheet forever.

In this next clip, Dolphins left tackle Branden Albert gets beat off the ball, but he’s in shape to ride the defensive end past the quarterback. However, the running back gets in his way, and it’s a strip sack. To the fan watching the game, or to a front office executive, it looks like a terrible block by Albert.

Now, I want and need to show love to some quarterbacks who do an excellent job of climbing in the pocket. The first quarterback who comes to mind is Philip Rivers. I’ve admired him throughout his career for his ability to step up in the pocket and take hits to help out his offensive line.

Here is Rivers against Oakland earlier in the season. On the road, in a silent snap count, the advantage is for the defensive ends. They can get a screaming start off the ball, so it’s even more important for the quarterback to help us out. Rivers did an excellent job of that here. The Raiders’ defensive ends come flying off the ball, but Rivers only drops to 8 yards. If he drops to 10, it’s a strip sack.

For the sake of too many film clips, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Eli Manning are also superb at taking care of their linemen with depth. Make sure to take a look this weekend as you’re watching the games. And remember, not all sacks are equal and not all sacks are our fault.