Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Read Option out of Shotgun Doubles Offset is a zone read run play with the QB and HB mesh point positioned directly behind the line, showing the classic option keys on the backside edge defender. The offensive line executes a zone blocking scheme, sealing the interior gaps while leaving the read defender unblocked so the QB can decide to hand off or pull based on that key. This is a base run concept with no route combos shown, designed to attack light boxes and outnumber the defense on the edge rather than beat man or zone coverage downfield.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side defensive end or outside linebacker before the snap since he is the unblocked read key the QB is optioning off. If that edge defender crashes hard down the line on the snap, expect the QB to pull and keep it outside. Overloaded fronts with an extra defender on the read side shut this down quickly since the numbers advantage disappears. Spy or scrape exchange linebackers who stay disciplined on the mesh point take away both the give and the keep. Zone coverage shells with safeties rotating down into the box are the biggest threat since they add a extra run defender without tipping off man coverage on the perimeter.
Usage Tips
Check the box count pre-snap and only run this into 6 or fewer defenders in the box for a numbers advantage. Identify the read defender on the play side edge before the snap so you know exactly who you are optioning off of. Use the hot route menu to adjust the frontside WR into a bubble or quick screen if the defense shows a heavy blitz look, giving you an extra outlet. This play pairs well with RPO Zone Alert Bus and Inside Zone in the same set since the mesh point and line action look nearly identical, keeping defenders honest on their run fits. Save this for early down situations like first and ten or second and short where defenses are more likely to sit in base personnel instead of loading up with extra DBs.
