An alt passing touchdown refers to a touchdown scored via a forward pass completed to a non-traditional offensive skill player. Unlike standard passing touchdowns typically caught by wide receivers, tight ends, or running backs, alt passing touchdowns involve positions not conventionally involved in passing plays.
Common Scenarios
- Touchdowns caught by offensive linemen (tackles, guards, centers) during trick plays or eligible receiver formations.
- Passes completed to fullbacks in schemes where they primarily function as blockers.
- Throws to defensive players temporarily positioned as eligible receivers ("jumbo packages").
- Catches by quarterbacks who lateraled and became pass-eligible receivers.
Key Distinctions
These touchdowns remain classified as passing touchdowns statistically, but their unconventional nature differentiates them from standard passing scores. They typically result from:
- Pre-snap position shifts creating eligible receiver mismatches
- Desperation plays during goal-line situations
- Pre-designed trick plays (e.g. "Philly Special")
Significance in Analysis
Alt passing touchdowns highlight offensive creativity and defensive breakdowns. Coaches review them for tendency exploitation, while statisticians note them as anomalous data points in player performance evaluations. Their rarity makes them notable in game film study.
