Playbooks
Fake Fg Sprintout Pass lines up in the standard Field Goal special teams formation but pulls the holder out on a sprintout pass off the fake kick action, catching defenses in field goal block mode completely off guard. The kicker or holder rolls out to either side with a small handful of eligible blockers turned receivers running quick option routes, giving the ball handler a run or pass decision on the move. This is a trick play built to exploit defenses that sell out to block the kick, and the primary read is the first receiver breaking open in the flat before checking down to any trailing outlet if the edge gets contained.
Watch for a defense that lines up in a standard field goal block shell with defenders crashing hard off the edge, since this tells you they have no contain player ready to react to the fake. If the defense keeps a spy or contain defender outside the tackle box even in field goal personnel, that player is the key to shutting down the sprintout lane and forcing a quicker, tighter throw. Look for a safety or extra defensive back staying back deep instead of rushing the kick, since that shows the opponent respects fake field goal tendencies and is playing it disciplined. Post-snap, track how fast the edge defender diagnoses the fake versus selling out on the block attempt, because a slow read from the edge gives the sprintout passer extra time and an easy pitch and catch. If defenders collapse the pocket immediately and take away the flat route, the play is dead and the ball handler needs to tuck it and find the sideline rather than force a throw into a shrinking window.
Only call this when the defense has shown a heavy field goal block package on previous kicks in the same drive or franchise game context, since first time equity is what makes fake kicks hit.
Check pre-snap for defenders lined up tight on the line trying to get penetration, since an aggressive rush crew widens running lanes for the sprintout ball carrier if the pass window closes.
Hot route the initial flat route into a quick out or speed out if you see a corner sitting flat footed near the sticks, this gives the sprintout passer an immediate answer without needing to reset his feet.
Pair this call with Fake Fg Holder Blast or Fake Fg Holder Power earlier in a game or franchise save so the defense has to respect both the run fake and the sprintout pass fake, forcing indecision on the edge defenders.
Best used on 4th down in obvious field goal range when you have scouted or noticed the opponent crashing the edge or jumping the snap count on kicks, since a clean look here often results in an explosive uncontested gain.