Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 12 playbooks
Breakdown
Speed Option out of Pistol Bunch TE is a pure option run play built to stretch the edge before the defense can flow. The diagram shows the QB and HB working laterally, with the QB sliding down the line to read the edge defender while the HB stays attached on the pitch relationship, ready to take the toss if the QB decides to give. This is a numbers and leverage run play, not a man or zone beater in the passing sense, and the primary read is the first unblocked edge defender: if he crashes down on the QB, pitch it outside to the HB, if he stays wide to take away the option, keep it and cut upfield.
Defensive Reads
Key the defensive end or outside linebacker aligned to the run side, since his crash or contain decision dictates the entire option read. Watch for defenses that assign a dedicated option defender (a spy or force player) who stays home on the QB, which takes away the keep and forces a pitch into a numbers disadvantage. Look at safety depth pre-snap, since an eight man box with a safety cheating down can outnumber both the QB and HB on the edge. Post-snap, track linebacker flow: if the backside linebacker chases hard and the play side backer stays disciplined, the cutback and pitch lanes both shrink fast. Avoid calling Speed Option into aggressive edge blitz packages where the defensive end or slot corner is sent on a run blitz, since that defender can blow up the mesh point before the QB can read it.
Usage Tips
Run this from the pistol with the bunch alignment to disguise the option look since defenses often key off traditional shotgun run formations.
Attack defenses with light boxes or six men in the box, since Speed Option loses value against heavy run blitz fronts stacked outside.
Use pre-snap motion or a look to the sideline to bait the defensive end into crashing, which opens up the pitch read to the HB.
Pair this with Strong Power and HB Zone earlier in a series so the defense commits to reading downhill run fits, making the option bounce hit even harder on repeat calls.
Best called on early downs (first and ten or second and short) when you want a low risk gain and to set up outside contain plays like Jet Touch Pass later in the drive.
