Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Slot Option out of I Form Slot Open sends both outside receivers on deep comeback routes that break back toward the sideline, stretching the defense horizontally on the perimeter. The slot receiver runs a true option route, breaking outside or sitting down against zone, giving the quarterback a built-in answer against both man and zone coverage. The HB stays in as a check release or option route out of the backfield, and this concept is designed as a man and zone beater with the option route as the primary read, followed by the comebacks if the defense sinks its underneath coverage too deep.
Defensive Reads
Identify the slot cornerback or nickel defender's alignment before the snap, since a tight press look signals man coverage that the option route can beat with a quick outside release. Watch the underneath zone defender's depth at the snap: shallow zone drops invite the option route to sit in the throwing lane, while deep drops open up the outside comeback routes. Look for a user controlled defender flowing toward the slot receiver as a lurk threat, since this indicates the defense is keying the primary option route and the outside comebacks become the better outlet. Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells with deep zone drops are vulnerable to this concept because the comebacks settle in the void behind underneath defenders. Man coverage with inside help, such as Cover 1 with a robber, can jump the option route's inside break, so be ready to climb the pocket and reset to the far side comeback if the throwing window closes.
Usage Tips
Read the underneath defender assigned to the slot option route immediately after the snap since his depth and leverage determine whether the option sits, breaks outside, or turns upfield. Use motion or a hard count pre-snap to identify if the defense is in man or zone, since man coverage on the slot receiver should be attacked with a quick outside break while zone defenders get an inside sit route. This play excels on third and short to third and medium because the option route can be hot routed to convert exactly at the sticks. Pair this call with HB Draw or HB Blast from the same set to keep linebackers honest against the run and set up the option route timing later in a series. Combine with Quick Slant on the following snap to attack the same underneath defender who bit on the option route the previous play, creating a layered attack on second level defenders.
