Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn WR Option is a motion-based option route concept out of Shotgun Y Trio Offset Wk that puts stress on man defenders by giving the motioning receiver a built-in option route (hitch, slant, or go based on leverage). This is a man beater at its core, since the option route reads the defender's positioning in real time, but it also has zone beater value against soft coverage shells when the receiver settles into the void. The primary read progression starts with the motion receiver's option route, then works to the underneath crosser or check-down route if the defense rolls coverage to the motion.
Defensive Reads
Watch the cornerback assigned to the motion receiver before the snap, if he travels with the motion it confirms man coverage and the option route should win the leverage battle. Key the safety rotation after motion, a single high safety rolling over the top signals Cover 1 or Cover 3 and tells you to expect the option route to break away from the deep help. Look for linebackers sinking into short zones post-snap, this indicates Cover 2 or Cover 4 match principles that can jump the option route if the quarterback stares it down too long. Identify user-controlled defenders spying the underneath crossing route, since a smart user lurking there can undercut the secondary read if the primary option gets covered. Cover 3 with a hard flat defender crashing on motion is the biggest threat to this concept, so be ready to work to the check-down or backside route immediately if that flat defender jumps the throw.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify man versus zone before the snap, since a defender following the motion across the formation confirms man coverage and tells you the option route will win on leverage.
If the defense shows zone shell (defenders staying put during motion), hot route the option receiver into a deeper stem to attack the void created by the shifted zone.
This play hits best on third and short to third and medium, where the quick option route timing lets you take advantage of a defender who bites on the underneath break.
Pair Mtn WR Option with Mtn Y Lead Read Option or Motion WR Option in the same set to force the defense to respect motion concepts, then counter with a play-action shot like PA Mtn Zig Cross once the defense starts jumping the option route.
Against aggressive man press corners, hot route the option receiver's break point shorter to beat the jam and get an easy completion before the pressure arrives.
