Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Portland X-Option out of Split Backs 3WR shows a five man route concept with no visible pass protection blocking assignments, built around a slot option route running the option (blue route) that breaks in or out based on leverage. The outside receiver to the boundary runs a corner route, the two receivers to the field run a deep post/dig combo with one settling into a deep out breaking left, and the running back releases into the flat as a checkdown. This is a man beater first, since the option route is designed to break away from man leverage, but the deep in-breaking route also creates a natural hole shot versus zone shells. Primary read progression starts with the option route in the slot, then works to the corner route outside, and finally checks down to the flat route if both are covered.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the slot defender is playing inside or outside leverage since that dictates which way the option route will break. Check safety depth before the snap, a single high safety shell tells you the option route and corner route both have room to work versus man coverage. Post-snap, watch for a user controlled lurk defender sitting in the shallow zone who can undercut the option route if the quarterback stares it down. Cover 3 zone shells with a hard flat defender can squeeze the running back's checkdown route, forcing the quarterback to hold the ball longer. Man coverage teams that blitz off the edge will test the running back and tight end blocking assignments, so watch for a free rusher if the protection is not sliding correctly.
Usage Tips
Read the slot defender's leverage before the snap, since the option route lives and dies on whether it breaks in or out against man coverage.
Use this play on second and medium or third and short to medium where the option route conversion and the flat check down both give you manageable yardage.
If you see press man or a single high safety shell, trust the option route to win immediately off the line and hot route it to a slant if the corner is playing outside leverage.
Pair this with FB Belly or Off Tackle from the same Split Backs personnel to keep the defense honest against the run before dialing up Portland X-Option to attack aggressive linebackers creeping into the box.
Sequence this play after Slants or Curls Read Special so defenders start jumping underneath routes, opening up the deeper corner route for an explosive shot play.
