How to Recognize Quick Game Without Giving Up the Deep Ball

You’re playing off coverage on third-and-4. The receiver lines up in a split you saw on film, and you’re thinking quick out. If you wait until he breaks, you may be a step late. If you drive too soon and he turns upfield, you can give up a big play. So what are you looking at when the ball is snapped?

Start with down and distance and the receiver’s split

Before I look at the receiver’s split, I should already know the down and distance. If I did my job in film study, I have an idea of what the offense likes to call in that situation.

Then I look at the receiver’s split. Where is he lined up in relation to the formation? Does that match a look I saw on film? When the situation and the split both point to quick game, I can start to anticipate it before the ball is snapped.

Film example. On Notre Dame’s first offensive snap, watch the cushion Miami gives Jordan Faison at the top of the screen. CJ Carr hits Faison on the quick out for five yards. The defender closes after the catch and forces him out at the sideline.

You can key the receiver or the quarterback

Key the receiver. If you keep your eyes on him, you’ll usually be a step slower breaking on the quick throw. The tradeoff is that you’re in a better position to see him turn upfield if he’s running a double move.

Key the quarterback. When the coverage gives you the freedom to read him, his drop has to match the route you’re anticipating. On a quick out, the quarterback can set up to throw before the receiver starts his break. He’s trying to lead the receiver to the spot. If you recognize that setup and trust what you see, you can break before the receiver does and give yourself a chance to beat him to the ball.

Film example. Watch Alabama corner Dijon Lee Jr. drive on Marcel Reed’s quick throw to the outside. Lee gets to the ball first and takes it back for a touchdown.

Here’s where DBs get in trouble. They keep their eyes on the quarterback too long. The receiver sells the out, turns upfield, and the DB never sees it happen. Reading the quarterback takes practice and discipline. You have to know what you’re looking for and train your feet to respond when you see it.

Train your eyes and feet together

There are specific drills for this. I cover them in the All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area, where I have several articles and drills on how to train your eyes and feet together. The goal is to make a play on the quick throw without giving up a big one behind you. All Eyes DB Camp Member’s Area

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alleyesdbcamp

Owner at All Eyes DB Camp

Chad Wilson is the founder of All Eyes DB Camp and a former standout defensive back for the Miami Hurricanes. After an elite collegiate career, Wilson spent a season with the Seattle Seahawks before transitioning into coaching. A 3-time Florida state champion defensive coordinator, he has spent over 20 years developing the "All Eyes" blueprint that has produced NFL All-Pros and stars like Xavien Howard, Patrick Surtain II, Tyson Campbell, Minkah Fitzpatrick and more. His coaching system is proven at the highest levels—his own sons, Quincy and Marco Wilson, both excelled as starters in the SEC before being drafted into the NFL.

Chad is the author of "101 DB Tips"—The Ultimate DB Reference Guide. You can find more information on the manual and how to order your copy in the sidebar and footer of this page.

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