Aquarterback sneak is aplay ingridiron football in which thequarterback, upon taking the center snap, runs forward or dives ahead while the offensive line is also surging forward. Despite the "sneak" moniker, this version of aquarterback draw play is often expected in situations where a very short gain is needed.
The play is often desired in short-yardage situations in theNational Football League (NFL),[1] since there are no further ball exchanges beyond the center snap. The quarterback receives the ball near theline of scrimmage and immediately moves forward, giving the defense little time to react and making it less likely that significant yardage will be lost on the play. Although the play rarely gains more than one or two yards, it can result in a significant gain. One notable exception wasGreg Landry gaining 76 yards in 1970 on a quarterback sneak againstGreen Bay, which set an NFL record at the time for the longest rush by a quarterback.[2]
Quarterback sneaks are statistically the most likely plays to convert short yardage situations, though each situation varies.[1][3] Many football statistics sites advocate for increased usage of the play.[1][3][4]
QB sneaks have drawbacks in that they tend to expose the quarterback to hits from opposing defenders. Often quarterbacks do not wish to expose themselves to the increased risk of injury associated with the play. This is especially prevalent with traditionalpocket passing quarterbacks, such asDrew Brees orTom Brady,[citation needed] although Brady was very effective at running the play.[5][6] One of the most famous sneaks in football history was executed by Green Bay Packers quarterbackBart Starr against theDallas Cowboys in the famous "Ice Bowl" NFL championship game played on December 31, 1967.[citation needed]
Since 2021, thePhiladelphia Eagles have run a variant of the quarterback sneak in which additional players line up behind the quarterback and physically push him forward as the offensive line surges ahead.[7] The play became widely known as the "Tush Push" or "Brotherly Shove".[8] It gained prominence due to the Eagles' significant success with it, becoming a key part of their offensive strategy.[9] However, the play has also drawn controversy, with critics arguing that it provides an unfair advantage and poses potential safety risks.[10]
Quarterback sneaks are more common (and successful) inCanadian football due to theneutral zone being one yard, as opposed to American football where the neutral zone is only the length of the football.[11] Due to the prevalence of sneaks in theCanadian Football League, backup quarterbacks are used as short-yardage specialists so that the starting quarterback does not get injured.[12]