The pocket
What it is
The protected space the quarterback throws from, and the shape the five linemen are trying to preserve.
Why it matters
A pocket is not a place, it is a relationship: the tackles set the depth and the interior sets the width, and what matters is that the quarterback has a lane to step into as he throws. That is why interior pressure is worse than edge pressure even when it arrives later — an edge rusher who runs past the quarterback leaves the pocket intact, while a collapsed interior takes away the step. Climbing the pocket is the quarterback's half of the job.
Also called
Programs call this pocket, climb the pocket, step up or pocket integrity. The Coach answers to any of them.
Related
This entry is authored, not generated. It is one of 205 in the index that the AI-ssistant Coach retrieves from, and that Film Study tags clips against.