Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
61 X Choice is a Singleback Spread 10 personnel pass play built around a choice route from the X receiver, who reads the defender across from him and breaks in, out, or sits down based on leverage. The two outside receivers on the right run vertical stems, with the outermost climbing straight up the numbers and the slot receiver working a vertical to out breaking route up the seam before bending outside near the sideline. The backside receiver runs a deep vertical, while the inside slot receiver runs a shallow drag across the field underneath the choice route, creating a natural high low read for the quarterback. This is a man beater at its core, since the choice route exploits off man leverage while the drag and vertical stems occupy underneath defenders and take the top off zone shells.
Defensive Reads
Presnap, check safety depth and cornerback alignment over the X receiver, since a corner playing tight outside leverage signals the choice route will break inside for an easy pitch and catch. Watch for user controlled defenders sitting in the shallow drag lane, since a lurking linebacker or nickel defender can jump the underneath crossing route and bait a turnover. Read linebacker depth at the snap, because shallow drops from the middle linebacker or Sam can clog the drag route and force the quarterback to hold the ball longer against pressure. This play struggles against disciplined zone coverages like Cover 3 or Cover 4 that keep defenders deep and force the choice route into a crowded underneath area with no room to separate. Blitz packages that bring pressure off the edge can disrupt the timing of the choice route read, so watch for nano blitz tendencies and be ready to check into a hot route or quick throw if the protection breaks down.
Usage Tips
Presnap, identify whether the defender over the X receiver is playing off man or showing hard outside leverage, since that determines which way the choice route will break.
Against man coverage, trust the choice route as your first read and let the receiver work away from the defender's leverage before checking down to the drag.
Against zone shells, use the drag route as a quick underneath answer while the vertical stems on the right side stretch the deep zones and open passing lanes.
Use this play on second and medium or third and short situations where the choice route's option nature gives you a built in answer versus multiple coverages.
Pair this with 60 Go or Four Verticals from the same set to keep defenses honest on vertical shots, then come back to 61 X Choice when you see defenses sitting on underneath zones.
