Flashback Friday: Giving the QB Options

From my 2019 Book, "Read and Shoot"

While I have rebooted the naming convention of my offense (twice - HA!), the principles remain the same. What I have done here put a chapter from the book here, with new edits and video to help descriptions. Here, we will talk about what are considered “Advantage” routes, the three types of concepts, what we call “Advantage Principles,” and “Navigation Tags.” With 47 diagrams and videos here, it will give you more food for offensive thought.

Giving the QB Options

At the heart of the matter is the fact that however plays are called, the method for directing the QB’s eyes in the passing game is of critical importance. Even at the highest levels of college football, a major criticism of many RPO-based passing games is that quite often, the entirety of the pass offense can surmised in two categories: the RPO and the “bomb” – with no possession passing game to manage the all-important situations where the ball must be passed, either to extend drives or to create high-percentage explosives.

In addition to the above thoughts, the ability to protect (Figure 5-1) consistently with the RPO leaves something to be desired. Below, there is a reliance on the defense maintaining a 2-high shell; there is also a vulnerability to pressure looks that the defense can utilize. If not judicious in usage, the defense can get a defensive lineman to count as a free rusher, with the quarterback ironically locked limited in his choices. This counters the intent and potential of the RPO.