Playbooks

Speed Option

Shotgun·Duo Slot Open·20
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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

FormationShotgun

In 1 playbook

Spread Classic

Breakdown

Speed Option out of Shotgun Duo Slot Open is a pure option run play built around the quarterback and running back reading the edge defender in real time. The blocking scheme flows to the play side with the offensive line reaching and sealing the point of attack while the QB rides the mesh point, deciding to keep or pitch based on how the defensive end or outside linebacker attacks the option. Since there are no dropback passing routes to speak of, this is strictly a run based play (with a pitch mechanic instead of true RPO logic), so the primary read progression is: identify the edge defender's leverage first, then react off his crash or contain angle for the pull, keep, or pitch decision.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, check the alignment of the play side defensive end or outside linebacker, a wide alignment with soft contain is an invitation to keep the ball, a tight crashing alignment tells you to expect a quick pitch read. Look for scrape exchange defenses where the defensive end sits and the linebacker loops around to take the pitch man, this shuts down Speed Option hard and forces you into a tougher keep read. Man coverage shells with off corners tend to leave light boxes, this is when Speed Option hits hardest because there is no extra flow defender to the play side. Zone heavy shells with a flowing linebacker crashing down on the mesh point are a sign to keep the ball and cut away from the flow rather than pitching into a numbers disadvantage. Watch for a user controlled safety sprinting down into the box pre-snap, that is a strong indicator of a run blitz or edge crash designed specifically to blow up option pitch reads.

Usage Tips

Attack defenses that show light boxes or sub packages without a dedicated edge run defender since Speed Option punishes teams that do not have disciplined force players.

Use the right analog stick or shoulder button pitch mechanic only after you clearly see the read defender commit, do not pitch on instinct or you will get blown up by a disciplined scrape exchange.

Call this on early downs, especially first and second and short to medium, to keep defenses honest and set up a heavier run based sequence for the rest of the set.

Pair Speed Option with Inside Zone and HB Swing from the same Duo Slot Open set so the defense has to respect the option pitch, the interior zone hit, and the checkdown swing off the same personnel and formation look.

Watch for aggressive user defenders spying the QB, if you see a human controlled linebacker sitting on the option lane, keep the ball and cut it up inside behind your zone blocking rather than forcing the pitch.

Other Plays in Duo Slot Open