Can a QB throw on the run?
The answer is yes, but it’s not a simple yes or no. Quarterbacks can throw while on the run, but there are some specific rules and scenarios that determine when they can do so. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the topic, exploring the rules and tactics surrounding throwing while on the run.
Key rule: The Line of Scrimmage
A crucial rule to understand is that the quarterback cannot throw forward while behind the line of scrimmage. Once they cross the line, they can either throw laterally or retreat. If they decide to retreat, they must throw back over their own goal line or complete the lateral throw before going out of bounds. This is outlined in Rule 5, Section 3, Article 1 of the NFL rulebook.
When a QB can throw on the run
However, there are specific scenarios where a quarterback can throw on the run:
• Out of the end zone: A quarterback can throw forward from within their own end zone. This allows them to create plays and prevent defenders from forcing them back towards the end zone.
• Down by contact: If a quarterback is brought down to the ground while holding the ball, they are not considered out of the pocket, and a forward pass can be made.
• Crossing the line, then backing up: As mentioned earlier, once a quarterback crosses the line of scrimmage, they cannot throw forward. But, if they take three or fewer steps backward, they can potentially create throwing opportunities.
Additional factors to consider
When determining whether a quarterback can throw on the run, the following factors come into play:
• Depth of the receiver: A receiver’s depth in the zone affects whether the quarterback has enough time and space to make a throwing motion while on the run.
• Time in the pocket: If a quarterback has time in the pocket to step up and assess the field, they can increase their throwing window while on the run.
• Defenders’ pursuit angle: The angle and speed at which defenders pursue can dictate how much time and space the quarterback has to throw.
Real-world examples
There are instances in which quarterbacks have thrown while on the run, resulting in notable plays. Consider these examples:
- In the 2021 NFL season, Tom Brady, then of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, threw a game-winning touchdown while scrambling out of the pocket.
- Russell Wilson, quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, is known for his scrambling abilities, which allow him to create throwing opportunities on the run.
- The Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott has shown similar abilities, leading his team on crucial drives with scrambling and pocket evasions.
Statistics
A study analyzing the 2020 NFL season found that 31% of touchdown passes were thrown on the run, indicating that quarterbacks’ scrambling ability has a significant impact on team success. Average completion rates increase significantly when a quarterback scrambles and finds open receivers:
| Scenario | Average Completion Rate |
|---|---|
| Under center, throwing from normal position | 66.7% |
| Under center, scrambling | 71.9% |
| Out of the pocket, throwing from a rushed position | 63.3% |
Conclusion
A quarterback can throw on the run in specific scenarios, such as out of their own end zone or if they’ve been brought down to the ground while holding the ball. By understanding these scenarios and factors like receiver depth, pocket time, and defenders’ pursuit angle, coaches and fans alike can appreciate the nuances of scrambling and throwing while on the run.
The stats show that successful scrambling and finding open receivers significantly boosts a team’s chances of scoring touchdowns, making these abilities vital to a quarterback’s repertoire. Whether through audibles or spontaneous adjustments, throwing on the run requires finesse, experience, and situational awareness – all of which are critical elements for quarterbacks at the next level.
With this breakdown of throwing on the run, it’s clear that, while a QB’s passing accuracy remains essential, scrambling and pocket improvisation play crucial roles in their game-day arsenal.