Playbooks

QB Slot Option

Shotgun·Trio Offset Wk·11
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Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 1 playbook

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Breakdown

QB Slot Option is a triple option style run play out of Shotgun Trio Offset Wk that puts the read on the QB between keeping, pitching, or handing off depending on the defensive alignment at the mesh point. The offensive line and slot receiver work in tandem to create a blocking wall to the play side, allowing the QB to option off the edge defender or the first unblocked man in the alley. This is a run play designed to attack aggressive fronts and light boxes, with the primary read being the play side edge defender: crash inside and the QB pulls it to run outside, stay home and he flips the option to the pitch man or HB.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify if the defense is in a run heavy front with the safeties creeping into the box, this is a green light for the offense. Watch the play side edge defender's first step after the snap, if he attacks the QB immediately the pitch phase becomes live and the ball carrier should be your focus. User controlled defenders sitting in the alley or scraping over the top can blow this play up, so mirror their movement instead of committing early to the pitch. Contain based defenses that keep the edge defender squeezed and patient will neutralize the QB keep option and force a tougher pitch read. Look for linebacker depth at the snap, shallow linebackers who fly downhill can be outrun to the edge, but disciplined linebackers who stay square limit the cutback lanes.

Usage Tips

Check the box count before the snap and only run this against six or fewer defenders in the box to guarantee a numbers advantage.

Look at the play side defensive end or OLB alignment, if he is crashing down on run plays consistently this concept will gash him every time.

Use the hot route to adjust the pitch man's depth if you are facing a defense that flows hard to the mesh point, giving your ball carrier more space on the option.

Pair this with Inside Zone and Outside Zone earlier in a series to set up run tendencies, then call QB Slot Option once you see linebackers cheating downhill.

Best used on early downs or in short yardage situations where defenses are more likely to sell out against traditional run looks.

Avoid calling this against heavy blitz packages with extra defenders in the box since the option read gets muddied by fast penetration.

Other Plays in Trio Offset Wk