What Exactly Determines a Sack?
 

Im having a debate with a friend and was wondering if someone could clear something up for me...preferably with a link to proof.

I always thought if a QB was tackled behind the LOS it counted as a sack no matter what. My friend says that if the QB is tackled while trying to hand the ball off its not considered a sack. Who's right?

Uhh, you tackle the QB behind the LOS. :shrug:

When one tackles a QB with the ball behind the LOS it's a sack period.

Thats what I said, but he swears there are exceptions. Unfortunately the rule book at NFL.com is very vague and doesnt really say.

you're right

I'm pretty sure that there are actually exceptions the OTHER direction, but I'm not sure what all they are. For example, I think the defense gets credit for a sack on an intentional grounding call.

He also says that if the play is intended as a QB run and the QB doesnt get to the LOS its just a tackle.

BS, even if the QB scrambles for no gain it's still counted as a sack

True for college but not for pros, if I recall correctly something I read years ago.

I cant believe something like this is so hard to find with google.

I believe that sacks, like tackles, are not an official stat until Tuesday or Wednesday following the game allowing the tape to be reviewed. Defensive stats are awarded at that time. I know for a fact that when the QB kneels down it is counted as negative rushing yards not a sack. If you go back and look at the plays when Thiggy ran the option he was and tackled behind the LOS it went as a rush for negative yards and not a sack.

In short, or long, I think that just like baseball (hit vs. error/stolen base vs. indifference) a sack can be awarded on the judgment of the scorer.

Well I guess not according to wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarterback_sack

To be considered a sack the quarterback must intend to throw a forward pass. If the play is designed for the quarterback to rush the ball, any loss is subtracted from the quarterback's rushing total. If the quarterback's intent is not obvious statisticians use certain criteria, such as the offensive line blocking scheme, to decide. Other unique situations where a loss reduces a quarterback's rushing total (not a sack) are "kneel downs" (used to run time off the game clock), and aborted plays, such as a fumbled snap that the quarterback falls on to maintain possession.

Usually skin of various colors (black, brown, white) encompassing a set of testicles that for the most part is covered in pubic hair unless the owner of said sack chooses otherwise

+1

in Madden if you tackle the QB while he's handing it off, they don't count it as a sack