Playbooks

Y Lead Read Option

Pistol·Doubles Y Off·11
Read OptionRun Play
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This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Quick Reference

FormationPistol

In 1 playbook

Superstar QB Scrambler

Breakdown

Y Lead Read Option is a run play out of Pistol Doubles Y Off that puts the QB through a true read option progression with a lead blocker in front of the HB. The Y (TE) works as an inline lead blocker or kickout man depending on the defensive end alignment, while the offensive line blocks down for inside zone action to the playside. The primary read is the QB reading the unblocked defensive end: give to the HB on the dive path if the end crashes down, or pull and attack the edge if the end sits and stays home.

Defensive Reads

Watch the playside defensive end pre-snap and post-snap, since a crashing end that squeezes the dive lane is your cue to pull and run the edge. Identify the flow of the second level linebackers, if they fill hard downhill on the snap the QB pull to the perimeter becomes the higher value read. Look for a scraping strong safety or overhang defender who can be a user controlled spy on the QB keep, this is the primary threat that shuts the play down. Base fronts with a true 4-3 or 3-4 look and disciplined defensive ends who stay square tend to neutralize this play by forcing indecisive reads. Watch for edge blitzes or nano blitz packages that send extra rushers off the corner, since these can beat the lead blocker before the QB completes his read.

Usage Tips

Check the alignment of the playside defensive end before the snap since his leverage dictates whether you should expect a give or a pull read after the snap.

Use this against light boxes with six or fewer defenders in the box so the lead blocker can create a clean crease for the HB dive.

Pair this with Gt Read Option and Counter Read Option in the same set so the defense cannot key on one read option look, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their fits.

On third and short or second and short, this is a strong call because the lead blocker gives you a built in numbers advantage at the point of attack.

If the defense shows a heavy blitz look pre-snap, consider hot routing the Y to chip and release into the flat as a checkdown option if you plan to pull the ball.

Other Plays in Doubles Y Off