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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
Read Option out of the Shotgun Gadget Package puts the QB and RB in a mesh point exchange, with the RB crossing behind the QB and the offensive line stepping in unison to a zone blocking scheme up front. This is a pure run play built off zone read principles, with the QB reading the play side end or edge defender to decide whether to hand off or pull and keep. The primary read progression is the unblocked edge defender at the mesh point: if he crashes down on the RB, the QB pulls and attacks the alley, if he stays home or widens, the QB hands off into the zone lane.
Defensive Reads
Key the play side defensive end or OLB immediately after the snap, since his crash or contain decision determines the entire play direction. Spy or scrape a linebacker over the top of the mesh point to eliminate the QB keep lane, since Read Option struggles against disciplined scrape exchange defenses. Bring an overload blitz from the play side edge to force an unnatural read, since backed-up offenses without a hard edge defender to key can panic the CPU logic. Play a two-high safety shell to keep both the alley and the cutback lane occupied, since single-high looks leave the cutback wide open if the D-end crashes. Watch for user-controlled defenders spying the QB, since a disciplined spy neutralizes the keep option and forces every rep into the RB dive.
Usage Tips
Diagnose the alignment of the play side defensive end or OLB before the snap, since a wide 9-technique or crashing edge is the key to the read.
Use the left or right stick to manually influence the mesh point timing if the CPU logic reads the defender incorrectly, especially against aggressive edge rushers.
Run this out of neutral downs like first and ten or second and medium to keep defenses honest and prevent them from selling out on pass coverage.
Pair Read Option with Y-Off Power Read from the same set so defenses cannot key on a single mesh point action, forcing linebackers to hesitate on both plays.
Mix in WR Wheel or Mesh Spot as play-action complements after establishing Read Option, since defenders that crash the mesh point become vulnerable to boot action and crossing routes.
