REVEALED! The top 20 dirtiest NBA players of all time
NBA
What is a pass rush in football? Exploring the art of the pass rush in football
Ciku Njuguna
August 8, 2023 at 4:08 PM
Defence is an essential aspect of every team, and their success is highly dependent on the strategies in place. The manoeuvre is one of the defensive lineman's most critical strategies to defeat the opposing team's quarterback's play. Explore and learn more about what a pass rush in football is.
Source: Getty Images
A pass rush in football is one of the defence's manoeuvres in which the pass rusher, a defensive player, makes a run past the line of scrimmage in an attempt to stop a pass. Dig in and find out more about what a rush is in football.
What is a pass rush in the NFL?
Picture a herd of buffalos charging at the majestic lion in the wild. Once focused and determined, the lion becomes disoriented, abandoning his initial strategy. In the same way, a pass rush's primary role is to distract the opposing team's quarterback as they attempt a pass.
A defensive player or players influence a rush in football by charging past the line of scrimmage and towards the opposing team's quarterback to prevent the completion of a pass. The defence aims to disrupt the movement of the ball by applying pressure, hurrying or sacking the quarterback. However, they must evade the opposing team's defence as they do this.
Source: Getty Images
What does pass rush mean in American football?
As the name suggests, this is a defensive strategy whose primary goal is to rush the offence's passes. As such, the offence may lose the ball in an interception, or the quarterback will make an incomplete pass.
What would happen if a pass was not rushed in football?
The strategy is vital in any football team's defence. Without it, the opposing team has an easier time advancing down the field to score, either by passing the ball or running.
30 of the most hilarious hockey puns to crack your ribs
NHL
What makes a good pass rush?
Teams must have three or five designated rushers to counter multiple offensive formations. A defensive player must know other rushers and their positions to seal any throwing opportunities for the quarterback. Additionally, they must stress the offence to disorient their timing and extend their running lanes.
Source: Getty Images
1991 SEC sacks leader Chuck Smith has become a treasure trove of how to become the best rusher in the NFL. In 2002, he established the Chuck Smith Training Systems, where he trains top NFL defensive players. Speaking to USA Today, the former Atlanta Falcons defensive end said,
"All pass-rush moves require vision, get-off, hands and hips or the V.G.H.H method. Those four vital keys will show up in every technique and drill."
The best pass-rush moves
One of the best defensive moves used in rushing is the Von Miller patented 'ghost move.' The Denver Broncos outside linebacker, whose go-to move is the 'speed stutter double swipe', has perfected the sneaky ghost move to become one of the elite pass rushers in the league. Speaking to FOX Sports' AFC East reporter, Henry McKenna, Miller described the sneaky move saying,
Basketball positions explained: Key positions in basketball and their roles
NBA
Source: Getty Images
"When the timing is perfect, and the tackle shoots his hand. I dip right underneath it, and I'm clean. The hardest part is staying up and keeping my balance all the way to the quarterback because I'm running full speed while dipping with nothing lean against."
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end and NFL sacks leader Alex Highsmith added,
"If you do it well, you can make the offensive tackle look silly. If you do it effectively, the offensive tackle cannot get his hands on you."
Other than signature moves by defensive players, other techniques include the split bull, speed chop, speed rip, bull rush, spin, fake spin, chop rip, swipe, pull club, 2-hand shuck, and the push-pull-swim. In addition to mastering a technique or two, the d-line player must maintain speed, flexibility, and explosive quickness.
Source: Getty Images
Who is a pass rusher in football?
An analysis of the 3-4 and the 4-3 pass rushing schemes by the Bleacher Report revealed that in the 3-4 scheme, defensive ends are tasked with tackling and sacking the offence quarterback and stopping the run. The players most suited for the role are Right Outside Linebacker and the Left Outside Linebacker. In the 4-3 defensive scheme, the best-suited pass rusher in football is the defensive end, with the ideal right covering a QB's blind side.
What is a touchback in football? Definition, meaning and explanation
Football
Who are the best pass rushers in the NFL?
Defensive player | Position | Team |
Myles Garrett | D-end | Cleveland Browns |
Micah Parsons | Linebacker | Dallas Cowboys |
Nick Bosa | D-end | San Francisco 49ers |
Dexter Lawrence | Nose tackle | New York Giants |
Aaron Donald | D-tackle | Los Angeles Rams |
Chris Jones | D-tackle | Kansas City Chiefs |
Von Miller | Outside linebacker | Buffalo Bills |
T.J. Watt | Linebacker | Pittsburgh Steelers |
Javon Hargrave | D-tackle | San Francisco 49ers |
Haason Reddick | Linebacker | Philadelphia Eagles |
Source: Getty Images
What is an edge rusher in football?
An edge rusher is an unofficial American football position whose player performs similar tasks to the pass rusher. Like the pass rush, the position is played by outside linebackers and defensive ends. However, as the name suggests, the edge rusher rushes the quarterback from the end of the defensive formation.
What is the role of an edge rusher vs a pass rusher?
Similar to a pass rusher, the edge rusher's responsibility is to hurry the quarterback. However, they are also expected to tackle and block the ball carrier, limiting the chances of the ball carrier evading the in-field defenders. They also open rushing lanes for other defenders.
Who are the 15 best defensive tackles in the NFL in 2024?
NFL
The knowledge of what a pass rush in football is helps fans understand the complex moves defence players make in an effort to prevent scoring. It also allows up-and-coming players to sharpen their defensive skills.
READ ALSO: What does a cornerback do in football? Understanding the importance of cornerbacks in football
Sports Brief recently published an article breaking down the importance of special team players such as cornerbacks. Cornerbacks stand between a team's success or failure by covering the back end of the field and preventing the opposition from scoring. Click on the link above to find out more about the role of cornerbacks and their importance to NFL teams.
Trending news
