Y Lead Read Option

Watch the play side defensive end or OLB alignment before the snap, if he is sitting wide and squared up he is likely the designated read defender for the option. Post snap, key whether that read defender crashes down on the mesh or stays home, since his first step tells the QB whether to hand off or pull and attack the alley. Look for an extra defender rotating down from the trips side safety or nickel, which signals the defense is trying to outnumber the box against this concept. Man coverage with off ball linebackers sitting flat footed tends to be vulnerable to the lead blocker sealing the alley, so identify man shells pre-snap by checking if defenders are shaded toward receivers. Aggressive fast flow linebackers who overpursue the mesh point create cutback lanes, so users should stay disciplined and play the dive back before jumping the option keep.