Read Option

Watch the play side defensive end pre-snap for width and hand placement, since a wide alignment signals he is reading run first and likely to crash inside on the mesh. If the defense shows an odd front with a true 3-4 look, expect the end to sit and read rather than crash, which favors the give to the HB. User the play side outside linebacker or the edge defender directly to force a false read on the QB, since a disciplined user defender can shut down both options. Watch for safety rotation down into the box pre-snap, as an eight man front eliminates cutback lanes and makes the give the worse option. Post-snap, key the backside linebacker flow, since fast pursuit from the backside can erase cutback running lanes even if the initial read favors the offense.