Option On Me

Devin Chavez

OPTION 1 INSIDE VEER 12-13

The inside veer puts the defense in a bind. The Qb is reading the triangle and looking to put the offense in a good play by what the defense is showing. For example, the QB is looking to run the veer only towards the open side when no invert is located off and outside the open side tackle opposite the TE towards the open side, the best case scenario would be a 5 tech on our tackle and a 1 shade in the center. If the QB gets this read he will then read the inside number of the jersey on the 5 tech End. The QB will give the ball to the FB and the T gets a nice inside veer release on the backer. The QB is looking for the defense to have a broken triangle, for instance in a 4-3 defense and the SE is in a wide 9 and the Will LB is sitting in the B gap with no help to the outside. The defense is at a numbers disadvantage 3 (offense) to 2 (defensive) players.

OPTION 2 MIDLINE

The midline option is considered the easiest option for the QB because he can see the 3 tech and read his inside jersey number. If the QB sees the triangle intact towards the open side he will then check for the midline option. The midline should be ran towards the TE, this gives the offense had good angles and numbers. The QB will read the 3 tackle, if he sees the inside jersey number go up field he will give the ball to the FB. If the QB reads the 3 tech collapse on the FB he will replace the 3 tech and follow TE's hip with the ball. The TB will keep proper relationship with QB alert BALL, BALL, BALL, expecting a pitch.

OPTION 3 LOAD

The load option is a great option series to attack the perimeter of a defense fast. It can really slow down blitzing linebackers and is a great goal line play. If a defense is over playing the veer and midline the load option game can be a great series to have. The QB will take a couple 45 degree steps with his left then right foot, his third step needs to be directly at the 7 tech. The QB and TB need to be ready for a quick option pitch if a hot defender comes off the loaded edge. The offensive line play needs to be aggressive zone blocking, with an emphasis of playing fast and getting to the next level.

I love the flexibility the "Option on Me" gives an offense. It reminds me of our wing-T blocking schemes and the counting of the defenders concept. I believe this flexibility gives the offense the best opportunity to have a winning play or a chance to win. I would love to have had this type of system while I played QB back in HS. It must give the kids a real sense of pride to feel like they are not just pawns on field running plays a guy sitting 200 feet away calls. I guess a con would be the lack of control at times a play caller must feel. It may be hard for some coaches to let the QB call what HE sees. I would also think it would a smart and tough QB who may get hurt running so much option. How do you keep that back up QB game ready?

Devin

Ken Lucas  “Option on Me”

The premise of “Option on Me” is favorable because it gives an offense an opportunity to combat virtually any defense it faces. The quarterback has the ability to call his play at the line of scrimmage, based on what he reads. His primary read is to locate any “outside inverts”; or in other words, any outside linebacker or player located in that position. By reading the outside inverts, the QB can determine the number of players inside of the box. Once he has this information, he can start to assess what is the best play to call.

The quarterback now has three choices of plays to call; the Inside Veer Option, Midline Option or Load Option. While the Inside Veer and Midline plays are triple option plays, Load option is only a double option. Either way, having the ability to make multiple calls at the LOS is a nice weapon to have for an offense. When considering which of the three to call, the QB must quickly asses the following information:

 Inside Veer – Open-side (away from TE)
– No invert outside the open-side tackle
– Only choice to the Open-side
Midline – Tight-side (to TE)
– ONLY versus 2 or 3 Technique
– 2 outside inverts = 6-man box…run at the box
Load – Tight-side (to or outside TE)
– No outside invert to the TE, or
– 2 outside inverts versus 7-technique or 5 and 9 alignment

As I stated previously, the ability for a team/quarterback to call plays at the LOS can be a weapon, however, that quarterback has to be smart, poised and deliberate. He has to be able to very rapidly assess the defense, make his calls and then execute his reads. If he is effective at doing those three things, your offense has a fighting chance to successful. He has rules from which to make his calls no matter what the defense throws at him, therefore, the quarterback should be able to put his team/offense is positive/favorable position.
Another positive to running multiple option schemes is that it creates worry for opponents. Defensive coaches now have to prepare for multiple things. Each player has to be accounted for on every play. Not only does a defense have to account for every offensive player, they have to try to simulate the offense in practice in preparation for their game. If you are a team that does not consistently run option schemes, it can be difficult to duplicate and prepare for in one week’s time. In most cases, I believe this gives an edge to the offense.
The dilemma may occur when a quarterback cannot handle making the appropriate assessment and/or calls in a timely and efficient matter, or if he cannot endure the physical expectations of the position. He has to have mental and physical strength. Other negatives to this type offense may be when it faces a defense that “stems” a lot and disguises its fronts or coverages. The possible difficulty with that is the idea that a defense may alter its alignment just prior to or at the snap of the football. This sudden/late change will alter the blocking/assignments of the offensive personnel. Players they saw in one alignment are no longer there. This will definitely throw a wrench in their wheel, thus, disrupting their called play. Having experienced this on both sides of the ball, I’ve seen the pros and cons of running option and the benefits of running and audible/stemming defense. I also believe that having superior athletes help negate some of the said advantages of option football as well. Occasionally, talent does win over scheme, however, I have also seen positive results from disciplined, less-talented teams. The bottom line is that no matter what you run on offense or defense, it require strategy, discipline and delivery (EXECUTION)! “Option on Me” is a viable offense and definitely can be effective when run well!