Playbooks
Breakdown
Shock WR Option is a five-wide empty formation pass play out of Shotgun Empty Trips Speed. The backside single receiver runs a go route straight up the sideline while the next receiver in runs a vertical seam, both stretching the defense deep on that side. On the trips side, the outer receiver runs a corner-breaking route up the numbers, the middle trips receiver runs the namesake option route (a quick break that can sit down or work outside based on the defender's leverage), and the inside slot man runs a short option/hitch route underneath as the built-in outlet. The primary read starts with the option route in the middle of the trips bunch since it dictates coverage instantly, then progresses to the corner route and finally to the backside go if the defense sells out on the shorter concepts.
Defensive Reads
Watch the middle linebacker or nickel defender assigned to the option route, if he sinks into a deep zone drop the route will sit down for an easy completion underneath. Key the backside cornerback's leverage on the go route, if he plays inside shade with no deep help over the top that go ball is a shot play against Cover 1 or man press. Identify any user-controlled defender lurking in the shallow middle zone, since the short option route on the inside slot can get jumped by a spying linebacker or robber safety. Recognize Cover 3 by the deep safety splitting the field and cornerbacks bailing at the snap, this shell is where the option route and corner route combo does the most damage. Beware disguised blitzes off the trips side, if the slot defender crashes downhill at the snap the quarterback needs to get the option route out quick before pressure arrives.
Usage Tips
Presnap, check the corner and safety alignment over the trips side to see if the defense is showing Cover 3 or Cover 1, since the option route thrives against those single-high shells with soft outside leverage.
Use the option route as your rhythm throw on early downs since it settles versus zone and breaks away from press man coverage.
If the defense shows two high safeties, prioritize the backside go route matchup and look to hit the seam runner behind any underneath robber technique.
Motion the inside slot receiver before the snap to identify man coverage quickly, if a defender follows across the formation you know you are getting man beaters all game.
Pair this play with Deep Cross or Levels in your call sheet so the defense cannot sit on the option concept, alternating between them keeps linebackers and safeties guessing on run fits and zone drops.
