Why Stopping the Read-Option Isn't as Easy as You Think

[Skinzman]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

Well, if selling out stops it, then the pass shouldn't work.
Selling out DOESN'T stop the read option. It stops the RUN option. The threat of an intermediate passing game is an essential element of the read option.

The read option is a running play. The QB reads a defender and decides to hand off or keep it. Since the OL will be run blocking, the only pass out of it could be a screen since the OL can go down field on a screen.

You can play action out of it, but thats not the read option, thats a play action pass.

As to the intermediate passing game being an essential element. Thats what I said. If your QB cant pass, the read option will be stopped in the NFL.