Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Raider Y-Option is a five man route concept out of Shotgun Spread Y-Flex that isolates the Y receiver on an option route against a linebacker or nickel defender in man coverage. From the diagram, both outside receivers on the left run a post and corner combo off a mesh point that clears out the underneath zone, the backside boundary receiver runs a deep vertical, and the inside slot to the option side runs a vertical seam while the Y option breaks inside across the middle. The QB reads the Y option first, working outside to the corner and post combo if the middle is taken away, making this primarily a man beater built to exploit linebackers in coverage.
Defensive Reads
Key the linebacker or nickel defender aligned over the Y receiver presnap, if he is playing tight man technique the option route should win quickly. Watch for a robber or lurk defender sitting in the shallow middle zone, this player can jump the option route and bait a turnover if you force the throw. Check safety depth before the snap, two high shells usually signal help over the top on the outside verticals, forcing the QB to live underneath. Post snap, track any blitz from the weak side since the Y option has no extra protection help and the QB must get through his first read fast. Against man coverage with no safety help over the middle, this play consistently wins, but versus a Cover 3 or Cover 4 shell with disciplined zone drops the option route gets taken away and the QB must reset to check downs.
Usage Tips
Presnap, identify if a linebacker or slot corner is matched on the Y receiver since the option route only creates real separation against man coverage. Use motion or a hard count to bait the defense into showing blitz or man alignment before the snap. If you see two high safeties, expect the underneath option to be the primary answer since the deep shots on the outside will be capped. Pair this play with Y Stick or Double Slants in the same set so defenders start jumping the quick option route, then hit the corner and post combo on the backside for a big play. Best called on third and short to medium distance where the option route can pick up a first down against zone drops that sit short.
