Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
X Option out of Shotgun Normal Flex Snug lines up two receivers to each side with the X receiver running an option route off the line, breaking either in or out based on the leverage of his defender, while the near slot receiver runs a vertical stem to clear space underneath. On the backside, the outside receiver runs a deep out breaking hard toward the sideline and the inside receiver runs a corner route stemming vertical before working outside. This is a man beater at its core, using the option route to create an automatic natural leverage win against man coverage, with the primary read starting at the X option route before working backside to the deep out and corner combo.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify press man coverage on the X receiver since the option route is designed specifically to defeat press man by using a built in natural read against the corner's leverage. Check safety alignment, a single high safety shell tells you the option route has a favorable matchup while a two high shell means the corner is getting more help and you should lean on the backside deep out or corner combo instead. Post-snap, watch for user controlled defenders sitting in the shallow zone since a smart user can jump the option route if the quarterback locks on too early. Look for zone defenders sinking under the corner route on the backside, if the flat defender widens with the deep out the corner route behind him should be wide open. Man coverage with no safety help over the top gets exposed the fastest, while press man plus a robber underneath can bait an interception if you force the option route without checking the leverage first.
Usage Tips
Read the cornerback over the X receiver before the snap, if he is playing outside leverage break the option route inside, if he is playing inside leverage break it outside for an easy pitch and catch. This play thrives on third and short to third and medium since the option route sits down against zone and breaks open against man. Hot route the backside inside receiver to a quick out if you diagnose blitz, giving your quarterback a fast outlet against pressure. Pair this play with 45 Quick Base or Inside Zone in your play-calling sequence to keep the defense honest on early downs before hitting X Option once you have identified man coverage tendencies. Use play action shots like PA Whips Curls or PA All In earlier in a series to bait safeties up, then come back to X Option when you see the defense selling out on the run.
