Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Sprint Out rolls the quarterback to the boundary with a two-man route combo on that side: the outside receiver runs a quick out to the flat while the inside receiver works underneath on a shallow drag back across the field toward the opposite sideline. This is a play-action rollout designed to get the quarterback moving and throwing on the run, giving him a high-low read to the flat and the crosser. It is primarily a zone beater since the rollout puts the quarterback outside the pocket and away from underneath zone defenders, with the out route sitting down in the flat void and the drag providing a shallow escape valve against deep zone drops.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flat defender pre-snap, since a defender sitting too deep or inside leaves the out route wide open on the rollout side. Key the linebacker depth over the drag route, since a shallow zone drop from a linebacker can undercut the crosser if he reads the play quickly. Identify if the defense is in man coverage, since sprint out action forces defenders to run with their man through traffic, creating natural rub opportunities. Look for a user-controlled defender spying or shadowing the quarterback's rollout lane, since that indicates a contain rush or QB spy call meant to shut down the scramble threat. Recognize blitz packages that bring edge pressure from the rollout side, since a well-timed edge blitz can collapse the pocket before the quarterback sets his feet.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or third and short when you want to get the quarterback outside the tackle box and moving off platform.
Check the pre-snap alignment of the flat defender and curl-flat defender on the rollout side, since a soft corner or off zone corner opens up the out route immediately.
If the defense shows man coverage, hot route the drag into a deeper crossing route or speed out to create more separation since the rollout naturally strains man defenders on the edge.
Use the rollout to threaten the run as well, since the quarterback can tuck and pull it down if both the out and drag are covered.
Pair this with Curl Flat or Texas from the same set to keep the defense guessing between quick game and rollout action off similar formation looks.
