Option on me From the I Formation

In regards to Option-on-Me, there are many teaching cues that help players learn how this offense works. First, a quarterback must read wax in Mickey's ears for best option. Hence, a quarterback must read the outside inverts (outside linebackers) as the inverts dictate the best option for the play. In addition, a quarterback must figure out how many defenders in the box and what coverage the defense is running. The key is taking the ball to the missing invert. Therefore, Option-on-Me is first broken down into 3 keys:



Outside Inverts: area outside the openside tackle and the tight end

Play called based upon the outside inverts (players aligned at the same level as inside backers-outside linebackers or safeties)

Allow your QB to make the choice at the LOS (eyes outside to read inverts for best option)

Option-on-Me includes the 3 following choice for a QB:



Inside Veer (openside-away from TE) which means no invert outside the openside tackle-only choice to the openside

Midline (tightside-to the TE) only vs. 2 or 3 technique-2 outside inverts=6 man box=run at the box

Load (tightside-to or outside TE) no outside invert to TE or 2 outside inverts vs. 6i technique or 5 & 7 alignment

How it Works:



Quarterbacks get the opportunity to call the best option on the line of scrimmage based upon the location of the outside inverts and end man on the line of scrimmage. The reason for reading inverts for best option is because the process that the quarterback follows for calling best option is simple and fast. The quarterback will always read from the openside across towards the tight end. If the quarterback has an outside invert towards the openside that is located off the line of scrimmage, he then knows to take his eyes towards the tight end, first reading the first down lineman past the center. If he sees a 3 technique, then he checks offense into 10 midline.



There are many pros and cons when it comes to giving the quarterback the ability and freedom to call the best option on the line of scrimmage. The pros include the following:



Gives the QB ownership of the offense and a stake in it's success or failure

Forces the QB into a leadership/coaching role on the field

Gives the QB options to make a play better prior to the snap of the ball

QB has the ability to make the defense "wrong" by having the ability to read defenses quickly

QB must now know everything about the offense and be the captain on the field

The cons include the following:



QB could become overwhelmed with this power and could cause "paralysis by analysis"

QB might struggle with the offense at first, which could cause some bad decisions and turnovers.

QB might grow frustrated and impatient with offensive philosophy

QB might not have the mental make-up to run this offense, which leaves him out of a position

Kyle Harriger