In American football, the term tfl in football stands for Tackle for Loss, a key defensive statistic that shows how effectively a defense stops the offense behind the line of scrimmage. A TFL occurs when a defensive player tackles the ball carrier in the backfield, causing the offensive team to lose yardage on the play. This can happen during running plays, screen plays, or when the quarterback is brought down behind the line.
Understanding tfl in football is important because it highlights defensive dominance and disruption. When defenders consistently make tackles for loss, they push the offense into difficult down-and-distance situations such as second-and-long or third-and-long. These negative plays often force punts, turnovers, or risky passing attempts, shifting momentum in favor of the defense.
Another key part of tfl in football is its relationship with sacks. Every sack — when the quarterback is tackled behind the line while attempting to pass — is considered a type of tackle for loss, but not every TFL is a sack. TFL includes any play where the ball carrier is stopped for negative yardage, whether it’s a running back, receiver, or quarterback.
Tackles for loss are usually recorded by defensive linemen and linebackers who penetrate the offensive line and stop plays early. These plays can change field position, boost defensive confidence, and disrupt the rhythm of the opposing offense. On KokaSports, learning about tfl in football helps fans better understand defensive stats, game strategy, and how defenses control the flow of a football game.