Does the read option work if the QB is not a threat to run?

[IStillLoveTheMs]

Russ used to pull the ball and run at random times through out the game. It kept the defense honest because the threat forces the linebackers up to defend the QB pull and also forces a defensive end to remain stationary because of the threat.

But what happens when Russ is not a threat to run the ball until he absolutely has to? I dono... seems to me that opposing defenses (like the Bengals today) have caught on to the fact that they don't even need to worry about it.

Ideally... the threat of read option pulls the linebackers up to cheat and you can hit intermediate throws over the middle just behind them or run with the QB to the exterior because the backers have been baited forward. But that isn't happening and I think it's because the backers aren't vacating their positions North... instead they are just remaining stationary and realize they don't have to cheat to stop Russ.

Listen, I don't want Russ getting hurt... but it's pretty obvious teams aren't honoring his ability to run in the read option and it's ruining us.

I think he's gotta pull a couple early to show teams a different look and open up what's currently been taken away.

[Donn Beach]

this is how I understand the read option, its a very specific read decision

The idea of the play is often to remove a defender from the run fit by reading him. In Seattle’s case, that is an end man on the line of scrimmage (EMLOS)—a defender who is left unblocked. There is no need to waste a blocker on him. Wilson reads him. If he stays outside, Wilson will hand off to his running back. If he crashes inside, Wilson will keep the football. Simple. Consequently, this run gives you an extra player in the box count.

[IStillLoveTheMs]

this is how I understand the read option, its a very specific read decision

The idea of the play is often to remove a defender from the run fit by reading him. In Seattle’s case, that is an end man on the line of scrimmage (EMLOS)—a defender who is left unblocked. There is no need to waste a blocker on him. Wilson reads him. If he stays outside, Wilson will hand off to his running back. If he crashes inside, Wilson will keep the football. Simple. Consequently, this run gives you an extra player in the box count.

Oh I don't disagree... but if you don't run it except for exactly once... in the final drive... I have a very hard time believing it wasn't there in other instances. I just think Russ doesn't wanna pull it and is maybe being advised not to for injury purposes.

[Donn Beach]

it may not be there as often as you think, one would need to review game film to know, teams generally designate a player to eliminate it

[Donn Beach]

to answer your question...yeah I believe its working if the defense feels the need to commit to not allowing RW to run it, and as far as i know, for the most part that is what happens. If one was to go and look at the film and find the defense was not bothering to cover it and RW was still not attempting it then that would be another thing.

[Sibelius Hindemith]

I thought the read option was one of those things that works for a while then defenses figure it out, like the wildcat. What the Seahawks need to do is just hand it to Carson more.

[Donn Beach]

you would have to look at the film...Its not going to work like it did five years ago, the effect is going to be more marginal but that doesn't mean its not there. If you force the defense to have to respect it, that is designate a player to cover it then its occupying a player on the defense. If defenses are just ignoring it then that would be another issue

[Hanjag]

it may not be there as often as you think, one would need to review game film to know, teams generally designate a player to eliminate it

I recognized this as fact dating back to the injured season. He would not run it because he didn't have the good speed and was hobbled. That has morphed into only pulling it in game winning drive situations in the 4th Q. I imagine if he had pulled it a couple of more times that the Hawks would have a lead, ~ bigger lead in the 4th.

[ThePro]

this is how I understand the read option, its a very specific read decision

The idea of the play is often to remove a defender from the run fit by reading him. In Seattle’s case, that is an end man on the line of scrimmage (EMLOS)—a defender who is left unblocked. There is no need to waste a blocker on him. Wilson reads him. If he stays outside, Wilson will hand off to his running back. If he crashes inside, Wilson will keep the football. Simple. Consequently, this run gives you an extra player in the box count.

^^^^^^ This.

Inexplicably this comes up every year. It's a read. If that End isn't crashing down the ball gets handed off to the back. Russ can't (and shouldn't) magically keep it and do whatever he wants.

[Sibelius Hindemith]

So the DEs aren't crashing inside anymore? Then pound the rock with Carson. They didn't do that enough.