Playbooks

Speed Option

Shotgun·Spread Flex·11
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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 is a true option run out of Shotgun Spread Flex 11 personnel, built to attack the edge with the QB reading the first unblocked defender off the line. The offensive line and playside receivers execute stretch blocking to seal the edge while the QB decides to keep, pitch to the HB, or turn upfield based on how the read defender flows. This is a run-first play design, not a play-action or RPO, and it punishes aggressive edge defenders and overpursuing linebackers who crash down too fast.

Defensive Reads

Watch the defensive end or edge rusher assigned to the QB, since a disciplined player who stays home on the option forces a tough decision every time. Look for user controlled defenders crashing hard off the edge, which opens the pitch lane to the HB if the QB reads it correctly. Check linebacker depth and flow before the snap, since fast flowing linebackers to the play side can be gashed if the QB keeps and cuts upfield. Man coverage on the perimeter with no extra flow support gives the pitch man room to turn the corner, while zone shells with a hard edge defender kill the play quickly. Beware of overload blitzes to the play side, since a extra defender crashing the mesh point can blow up both the keep and pitch options simultaneously.

Usage Tips

Check the defensive end and outside linebacker alignment before the snap since Speed Option lives or dies on how disciplined that edge defender plays the mesh point.

Use this against defenses that show heavy inside run fits or crashing DEs, since the pitch phase exploits over aggressive edge players trying to blow up the QB keep.

Combine Speed Option with Inside Zone and HB Draw earlier in a drive so the defense commits linebackers downhill, then hit Speed Option to bounce outside once they start cheating inside.

Pair this call with Tear Speed Option as a changeup since both plays look identical pre-snap but attack different gaps, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their run fits.

On third and short or second and manageable, this is a great short yardage call because it gives you two run lanes off a single read, reducing the chance of a negative play.

Avoid calling this into a stacked box with extra defenders near the line since the numbers advantage disappears and the pitch man has no room to work.

Other Plays in Spread Flex