when the offensive team advances the ball by rushing the football, the player who carries the ball is given credit for the net gain, measured in rushing yards. when the offensive team advances the ball by pass reception, the player who throws the ball earns passing yards and the player who receives the ball earns receiving yards. the total of rushing yards and passing yards (but not receiving yards) is known as total offense. although the ball may also be advanced by penalty, these yards do not contribute to total offense. progress lost via quarterback sacks are classified differently, depending upon the league and/or level of football.