What Is Considered A Rushing Attempt

Navigating the gridiron can be complex, especially when trying to understand the nuances of different plays and statistics. One fundamental concept in football is the rushing attempt, also known as a run play or a carry. It's a seemingly simple action – a player running with the ball – yet its definition is crucial for tracking individual and team performance. What exactly constitutes a rushing attempt and what doesn't? What are the rules and common scenarios surrounding it? Let's dive in.

Introduction: The Ground Game's Core

From the bone-jarring collisions of goal-line stands to the electrifying speed of a breakaway run, rushing attempts are the heart and soul of many successful offensive strategies. The rushing attack not only gains yardage and scores points but also controls the clock, wears down defenses, and sets up play-action passes. Rushing attempts are a key performance metric for running backs, quarterbacks, and other players who carry the ball. Understanding the specifics of what defines a rushing attempt helps fans, analysts, and coaches alike evaluate the effectiveness of a team's ground game. In essence, a rushing attempt showcases a team's commitment to physically imposing their will on the opponent, making it a spectacle that is as strategic as it is thrilling.

Defining a Rushing Attempt: More Than Just Running

At its core, a rushing attempt occurs when a player advances the ball by running with it from behind the line of scrimmage, with the clear intent of gaining yardage. This seems straightforward, but the official definition encompasses several key elements:

• Hand-off or Snap: Typically, the play begins with a hand-off from the quarterback to another player (usually a running back) or a direct snap to a running back in shotgun formation. This transfer initiates the potential for a rushing attempt.
• Behind the Line of Scrimmage: The player must receive the ball behind the line of scrimmage. Any gain made before crossing the line is still counted as part of the rushing play.
• Intent to Advance: The key is the intent to advance the ball. A simple fumble recovery and advance does not always qualify as a rushing attempt.
• Legal Forward Movement: The player must advance the ball legally, meaning forward according to the rules of football.

It's important to note that the definition applies regardless of the player's position. While running backs are the primary beneficiaries of this definition, quarterbacks, wide receivers, and even offensive linemen can record rushing attempts under the right circumstances.

Comprehensive Overview: Scenarios and Exceptions

The definition above lays the groundwork, but football games are dynamic. There are numerous situations where the line between a rushing attempt and another type of play blurs. Here are some of those scenarios:

1. Quarterback Scrambles: When a quarterback drops back to pass but, due to pressure, tucks the ball and runs, this is typically considered a rushing attempt. The intent shifts from passing to running. However, the rules of some leagues (such as the CFL) have exceptions when a quarterback is past the line of scrimmage.
2. Fumble Recoveries: If a player fumbles the ball and another player recovers it and advances, that advance is not typically recorded as a rushing attempt unless the player clearly intended to run with the ball after securing the fumble.
3. Botched Snaps: If the center snaps the ball poorly and a player picks it up and runs, it is likely scored as a rushing attempt.
4. Kneel Downs: When a quarterback kneels to run out the clock, this is technically a rushing attempt, albeit one with zero or negative yardage. These plays are strategic moves to preserve the lead.
5. End-Arounds and Jet Sweeps: These plays involve a wide receiver or another skill player receiving a handoff behind the line of scrimmage and attempting to run around the end of the offensive line. These are always considered rushing attempts.
6. Wildcat Formation: The Wildcat involves snapping the ball directly to a non-quarterback, who then has the option to run, pass, or hand off. If the player runs with the ball, it counts as a rushing attempt.
7. Fake Punts and Field Goals: In these plays, a player other than the punter or placekicker receives the snap and runs with the ball. These are considered rushing attempts.
8. The 'Philly Special' and Trick Plays: The "Philly Special," made famous in Super Bowl LII, involves a series of laterals, and the final receiver runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown, and he would be credited with a rushing attempt.
9. Read Option: An offensive play in which the quarterback has the option to hand the ball off to the running back or run with the ball himself, depending on the movement of a defensive player. If the quarterback keeps the ball and runs, it is a rushing attempt.
10. Draw Play: A play where the offensive line initially sets up as if to pass, but then quickly switches to run blocking, and the quarterback hands off to the running back who runs through the vacated defensive line. The running back's carry is a rushing attempt.

These examples illustrate that the determination of a rushing attempt often depends on the context of the play and the player's intent. The official scorer's interpretation is what ultimately counts, but understanding these scenarios helps in analyzing game situations.

The Statistical Significance of Rushing Attempts

Rushing attempts are a fundamental metric in football for several reasons:

• Evaluating Player Performance: For running backs, the number of rushing attempts directly correlates with their workload and importance to the offense. It's a key indicator of a player's durability, trust from the coaching staff, and role in the team's game plan.
• Assessing Team Strategy: The ratio of rushing attempts to passing attempts reveals a team's offensive philosophy. Teams that rely heavily on the run are often trying to control the clock, minimize turnovers, and physically dominate their opponents. Teams that pass more frequently may be looking to exploit defensive weaknesses or play from behind.
• Analyzing Game Flow: Changes in rushing attempts during a game can indicate shifts in strategy due to score, time remaining, or defensive adjustments. For instance, a team leading late in the game will likely increase its rushing attempts to run out the clock.
• Predicting Future Performance: Historical rushing attempt data can be used to forecast future performance. A running back with a consistent history of high rushing attempts is likely to continue receiving a significant workload.

Trends and Developments in Rushing Attacks

The role and style of rushing attacks have evolved throughout the history of football. Some notable trends include:

• The Decline of the Workhorse Back: In past eras, it was common for one running back to carry the bulk of the load, accumulating 300+ rushing attempts in a season. Today, with concerns about player safety and the increasing complexity of offensive schemes, many teams employ a "running back by committee" approach.
• The Rise of the Dual-Threat Quarterback: Quarterbacks who are mobile and capable of running have become more prevalent. This adds another dimension to the rushing attack and forces defenses to account for the quarterback's running ability.
• The Evolution of Offensive Line Blocking Schemes: Modern offensive line play has become more sophisticated, with zone blocking schemes and pulling linemen creating running lanes for backs.
• Analytics-Driven Approaches: Teams are using data to optimize their rushing attacks, identifying the most efficient running plays and exploiting defensive tendencies. This involves analyzing factors such as box count (number of defenders near the line of scrimmage), defensive alignment, and run direction.
• Spread Offenses: Many college and professional teams use spread offenses that aim to stretch the field and create favorable matchups in the running game. These offenses often rely on quick reads and option plays that give the quarterback the ability to choose between handing off the ball, running themselves, or passing.

Tips for Analyzing Rushing Attempts

Here are some tips for better understanding and analyzing rushing attempts:

• Consider the Context: Don't just look at the raw number of rushing attempts. Consider the score, time remaining, and opponent's defense. A team that is trailing by multiple touchdowns may abandon the run in favor of passing.
• Look at Yards Per Attempt (YPA): This metric provides insight into the efficiency of the rushing attack. A high YPA indicates that the team is consistently gaining positive yardage on the ground.
• Analyze the Offensive Line: The offensive line is crucial to the success of the running game. Look at their blocking schemes, individual matchups, and ability to create running lanes.
• Identify Key Rushing Plays: Certain plays, such as power runs, counters, and draws, are more effective in specific situations. Understanding these plays and their success rates can provide valuable insights.
• Track Run Direction: Analyzing where the team is running the ball (e.g., inside, outside, to the left, to the right) can reveal tendencies and areas of strength or weakness.
• Watch the Film: Statistical analysis is useful, but watching the game film can provide a deeper understanding of how the rushing attack is working. Pay attention to the blocking, the running back's vision and agility, and the defensive response.
• Examine Box Counts: The number of defenders in the box (the area near the line of scrimmage) can significantly impact the success of a rushing attempt. A lighter box may make it easier for the running back to find a lane, while a stacked box can make it more difficult to gain yards.
• Consider the Down and Distance: Rushing attempts are often more common on early downs (first and second down) when the team needs to gain a certain amount of yardage. On third and long, teams are more likely to pass.
• Study Red Zone Efficiency: How a team performs in the red zone (the area between the 20-yard line and the goal line) can be a key indicator of their rushing prowess. Successful red zone rushing attacks can lead to more touchdowns and points.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Does a kneel-down count as a rushing attempt?

  • A: Yes, a quarterback kneel-down is technically a rushing attempt, even though it typically results in minimal or negative yardage.

• Q: If a quarterback scrambles, is that a rushing attempt?

  • A: Yes, generally, if a quarterback runs the ball with the intent of gaining yardage, it is considered a rushing attempt.

• Q: What if a player fumbles and then recovers the ball and runs?

  • A: Unless the player makes a clear intent to advance the ball after recovering the fumble, it's not usually counted as a rushing attempt.

• Q: How are rushing attempts used in fantasy football?

  • A: Rushing attempts are often factored into fantasy football scoring, particularly in leagues that reward volume. The number of carries a player gets can contribute to their overall fantasy score, regardless of yardage or touchdowns.

• Q: What's the difference between a rushing attempt and a rushing yard?

  • A: A rushing attempt is simply the act of carrying the ball. Rushing yards are the total number of yards gained on those rushing attempts.

Conclusion: The Enduring Significance of the Run

Understanding what constitutes a rushing attempt and the role it plays in football strategy provides valuable insight into the game. While the passing game has become increasingly prominent, the ability to run the ball effectively remains a crucial component of a successful team. From evaluating individual player performance to analyzing team tendencies, rushing attempts offer a window into the physical and strategic nature of football.

As offenses continue to evolve and adapt, the art of the rushing attempt will undoubtedly remain a focal point. What do you think? Will the emphasis on rushing attacks increase or decrease in the coming years? Are there any emerging trends in rushing strategies that you find particularly interesting?