pass deflected

{{Short description|Incomplete pass that is caused by a defensive player}}

{{distinguish|Blocking (American football)}}

File:US Navy 030920-N-9693M-002 Eastern Michigan University (EMU) defenders, Jerry Gaines, left, and Yves Dieudonne, right, block a pass intended for Navy slot back Eric Roberts.jpg breaks up a pass during a college football game in 2003]]

In American football, a pass deflected, also known as a pass deflection,{{cite web|url=http://www.acronymfinder.com/Pass-Deflection-(football-statistics)-(PD).html|title=Pass Deflection (football statistics)|publisher=Acronym Finder|access-date=2012-01-04}} a pass defended, a pass {{sic|hide=y|defensed}}, a pass knockdown, or a pass breakup, is an incomplete pass that is caused by a defensive player. This is done by slapping or blocking the ball with a hand or part of the arm, knocking the ball to the ground. It can also be done by aggressively hitting the receiver at the exact moment he first makes contact with the ball, or shortly thereafter, jarring the ball loose. If the defender hits the receiver before the latter first makes contact with the ball, it is pass interference.