Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Option out of Weak I Slot sends both outside receivers on deep corner breaking routes to clear the top of the defense, with the slot receiver running a quick option route that sits or breaks based on the underneath defender. The HB releases out of the backfield on an option route as well, giving the quarterback a built in checkdown against pressure or a matchup versus a linebacker in coverage. This is a man beater at its core, using the option routes from the slot and HB to create natural separation against man defenders while the two vertical routes occupy the deep defenders. Primary read progression starts with the HB option out of the backfield, moves to the slot option route, then works to the deep corner routes if the safety bites or the defense shows zone.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is showing two deep safeties or a single high safety, since that alignment dictates whether the corner routes can threaten the deep middle or sideline. Key the flow of the linebackers after the snap, because if they widen or drop too deep, the HB option route becomes an easy completion underneath. Watch for a user controlled defender spying the HB out of the backfield, since a disciplined spy can shut down the primary read and force you to progress to the slot option or corner routes. Look for press man coverage on the outside receivers, which slows their release on the corner routes and buys the quarterback more time but also delays the deep options. Cover 2 with hard flat defenders can jump the slot option route early, so recognize squatting cornerbacks or safeties before committing to that read.
Usage Tips
Attack this play on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage when defenses are more likely to sit in man coverage rather than drop into a deep zone shell.
Watch pre-snap for two deep safeties, since a single high safety alignment tells you the corner routes have a better chance to work over the top against Cover 3 or Cover 1.
Use the HB option route as your immediate answer against blitz heavy calls, since the running back can settle in the void created by blitzing linebackers.
Pair this play with HB Blast or Texans HB Lead in the same set to keep defenses honest against the run before coming back to HB Option once linebackers start creeping toward the line of scrimmage.
If the defense shows man coverage with a linebacker on your running back, hot route the HB option to a flat or angle route to create an easier win against slower defenders.
