Definition

Noun: 1. A player in American football whose primary role is to advance the ball by throwing it forward to a teammate. This term specifically refers to the offensive player, typically the quarterback, who is positioned to attempt a forward pass during a play.

Usage

• The term "forward passer" is used to identify the player who is attempting or has just attempted a forward pass. It is often used in the context of describing a play, a player's position, or the rules that apply to that player.
• Important Note: "Forward passer" is a specific compound noun from the sport of American football. The core word being explained is the full compound "forward passer". It is not used to explain the separate words "forward" or "passer" in isolation.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The defensive line put pressure on the forward passer, forcing a hurried throw.
  • A roughing-the-passer penalty is called when a defender hits the forward passer after he has released the ball.
  • The team's success depends heavily on protecting their forward passer from sacks.

Advanced Usage

• "In the grasp" of a defender: A rule exists to protect the forward passer; when a defender has control of the passer and his forward progress is stopped, the play is whistled dead to prevent injury.
• "Passer rating": While commonly called "quarterback rating," this statistical measurement evaluates the performance of a forward passer based on completions, yards, touchdowns, and interceptions.

Variants and Related Words

• Quarterback (QB) (n): The most common synonym and the primary position of the forward passer. All quarterbacks are forward passers, but in rare trick plays, another player might become the forward passer.
• Passer (n): A more general term for any player who throws a pass. Without "forward," it can include players who throw lateral or backward passes.
• Signal-caller (n): Another informal term for the quarterback, emphasizing their role in calling plays.

Synonyms

• Quarterback
• QB
• Signal-caller (informal)

Related Phrases / Rules

• Protecting the forward passer: A key principle in modern football rules, leading to penalties like "roughing the passer" or "illegal contact" to prevent defenders from hitting the passer in a vulnerable state.
• Forward pass: The action performed by the forward passer. This is the throw that travels toward the opponent's goal line.
• Passing pocket: The protected area around the forward passer formed by his offensive linemen.

Noun

1. (football) a ball carrier who tries to gain ground by throwing a forward pass