What it is

Yards after the catch, or YAC, are the yards a receiver gains after catching the ball, as he runs with it.

In a game

A short pass that becomes a long gain has a high YAC. It shows the receiver’s skill at making defenders miss.

More detail

Offenses design plays, such as screens and slants, to maximize YAC. It is a way to separate the quarterback’s throw from the receiver’s run.