This is a visual explainer based on the Wikipedia article on Carry (gridiron football). Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

The Anatomy of a Carry

An in-depth analysis of the rushing attempt, its statistical significance, and its place in the strategic landscape of American football.

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What is a Carry?

The Rushing Attempt

In gridiron football, a carry, also known as a rushing attempt, is the fundamental statistical term for a single instance of a player carrying the ball on the ground.[1] This action is central to the running game, involving a player advancing the ball by possession while moving forward.

The Ball-Carrier

While running backs are primarily tasked with carrying the ball, any offensive player who possesses and advances the ball during a rushing play is considered the ball-carrier for that specific down. The yards gained from such an attempt are recorded as rushing yards.[1]

Key Metrics

Yards Per Carry (YPC)

A critical efficiency metric in football is yards per carry (YPC). This statistic is calculated by dividing the total rushing yards gained by the number of carries.[2] It provides insight into how effectively a player or team gains yardage on the ground with each attempt.

Efficiency Leader

Among players with a significant number of carries, former quarterback Michael Vick holds the record for the highest career yards-per-carry average in the National Football League (NFL).[2] His exceptional mobility and ability to gain significant yardage on designed runs and scrambles contributed to this distinction.

Rules & Nuances

Sack Yardage Distinction

The statistical treatment of yardage lost due to sacks differs between collegiate (NCAA) and professional (NFL) football. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate statistical analysis.

  • NCAA Rules: Sacks are counted as rushing yards for both the individual player and the team. This means any yardage lost behind the line of scrimmage due to a sack reduces the player's rushing total.[3]
  • NFL Rules: Sacks are not included in a quarterback's passing or rushing yardage. Instead, the yardage lost on a sack is typically counted as part of the team's overall passing yardage, not directly attributed to the quarterback's rushing attempts.[4]

Record Holders

Most Career Carries

In the history of the National Football League (NFL), the record for the most career carries belongs to Emmitt Smith. Over his illustrious career, Smith accumulated a remarkable 4,409 rushing attempts, establishing him as one of the most durable and prolific ball-carriers in the league's history.[1]

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Carry (gridiron football) Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional sports analysis or coaching advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional statistical analysis, strategic consultation, or coaching. Always refer to official league rules and consult with qualified sports analysts or coaches for specific insights or guidance.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.