Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
WR Option out of Shotgun 5WR Trio lines up three receivers to the left in a bunch-style stack and two receivers to the right. The left side runs a dual drag concept with both receivers crossing underneath and breaking outside toward the sideline, while the right side features an option route paired with a vertical release, giving the slot receiver a natural man beater conversion off the linebacker or nickel's leverage. There is no run action or blocking scheme shown, this is a pure dropback pass concept with the primary read starting on the option route to the right since it dictates its break based on coverage, working backside to the crossing routes if the option is covered.
Defensive Reads
Watch the slot cornerback or nickel defender pre-snap, tight alignment signals man coverage and the option route should win outside on a speed cut. Soft or off coverage on that same defender signals zone drop, expect the option to sit down for an easy underneath conversion. Check safety depth before the snap, a single high safety cheating over the top can jump the vertical release on the option route and take away the deep shot. Watch for underneath linebackers sliding toward the crossing routes on the left, a user controlled linebacker sitting in that lane can bait a bad throw into a lurk. Overload blitz packages from the offense's right can rush the quarterback before the option route develops, so identify pressure looks pre-snap and be ready to check down quickly.
Usage Tips
Key the right side option route receiver first since his break versus man or zone determines the fastest completion in this concept.
Against man coverage look for the option to break outside on a speed cut, against zone coverage hot route him to sit down for a natural zone beater conversion.
Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to bait linebackers into declaring blitz or coverage rotation before you commit to your first read.
This play pairs well with Curl Flats or Stick from the same set since both attack underneath zones quickly if defenses start jumping the option route.
Best called on early downs or second and medium when you want a low risk conversion read rather than a home run shot down the field.
