A hurry in football is a defensive statistic that is awarded when the quarterback is forced to throw the ball early or is chased around the pocket by a defender.
This definition may seem vague but when broken down hurries in football are relatively easy to see.
Any point in the game in which a quarterback is forced to throw the ball due to a defender’s pressure is considered a hurry.
If the quarterback throws the ball based on a defender approaching him this will earn the defender a hurry.
Even if the quarterback is able to complete the pass the defender can still be awarded a hurry.
Hurries can also be given to a defensive player if they are chasing the quarterback around in his offensive pocket.
On any given passing play the quarterback has an area in the pocket from which he plans to throw.
It is then up to the defenders to put enough pressure on the quarterback so that he must move.
Moving the quarterback off his spot is going to make it more difficult to make the throw. It will also throw off the timing of the play because the quarterback may be focusing on evading defenders as opposed to throwing the ball on time.
This sort of pressure forcing the quarterback to move will earn the defender a hurry.
Which positions earn the most hurries?
Now that we’ve broken down what hurries are in football it’s to explain which defensive positions tend to create these plays.
Defensive Tackle
Defensive tackle is one position that earns a large number of hurries throughout a season.
These players line up in the middle of the defensive line and are largely responsible for rushing the quarterback.
These players will attempt to create pressure in the middle of the offensive line in order to disrupt the quarterback
This often results in this position earning hurries as they force the quarterback to avoid them in the pocket.
Defensive ends
Defensive ends are another player that earns a large number of hurries on the defensive side of the ball.
These players line up on the end of the defensive line meaning they are often able to operate in open space.
These players are often chosen to play the position based on their ability to get to the quarterback.
This skill set paired with the open space in this position will often find themselves in the offensive backfield.
Once these tall rangy players get into the backfield the quarterback will have to start moving in order to stay out of their way.
Linebackers
When playing in a 3-4 defense outside linebackers play a very similar role to defensive ends. These players will rush the passer on most plays since there are only three defensive linemen in this formation.
Since these players line up on the outside they are often able to get around the tackle and get to the quarterback.
Linebackers rarely face double teams when rushing the passer making it easier for them to earn hurries against the quarterback.
