Jarry Hall

Newman English 101: Rhetoric 15 September 2013 The Ultimate Offence: The Option and the NFL Football is an exciting game and new things are introduced all the time to keep things fresh. There are many originals being thought up each day; some concepts would include new players, plays, schemes, and new twists that add essential qualities to the success of each game. Since these components are essential, we leave important decisions, such as finding out what is permanent and just a passing fad, to professional analysts and coaches. The latest thing to pop up in the football world is the Option play. In the September 12, 2013 issue of Sports Illustrated, Greg A. Bedard breaks down the option play and discusses many secret weapons that can be used. In the article We have Options, Bedard does a fantastic job at adding to the hype by utilizing great references, and giving a complete breakdown of how this play has the potential to send a shock to any defense. To open the article, Bedard begins by referencing how the option play worked wonders for the 49ers in the NFC playoffs. The 49ers were able to catch the Packers defense completely off guard; this also reintroduces the read-option to the NFL. With this established, the author addresses the possibility of this play being just a fad in the NFL. Bedard offers opposition by calling on Mike Tomlin, who is the head coach of the Pittsburg Steelers. Tomlin describes the read-option as the flavor of the month (42). Bedard explains that in order for the quarterbacks to successfully perform the option play, they must be young and great superstars with a speed

that is unmatchable; thus, the audience gets the feel that Tomlin isnt that enthusiastic about this option play. Bedard concludes that even with young players, the option play may still fail. Due to this fact, teams have been talking with college and retired coaches for a better strategy. Bedard discovered that many teams are conversing with defensive heavyweights such as Marion Hobby, Paul Pasqualoni, and Nick Saban. These athletes are current college leveled coaches and the last resort for teams deciding against the option play. Every play has a weakness and the option is no different; however, even with minor flaws, this play is still a true threat to any team. Once nay-sayers are addressed, Bedard escalates his point by bringing in Rex Ryan, one of the most defensive minded coaches in the sport. As a defensive coach, Ryan realizes the threat of the read-option. Ryan expresses that I think it is here to stay for the simple fact that (teams) are getting these mobile quarterbacks (42). Ryan isnt the only defensive mind that preserves the option as a threat. Bedard does a good job at getting one of the main pushers of being able to stop the option to renege on his word. Hobby admits to the success of the zone option by stating that [i]t freezes linebackers (44). He also confesses that the zone option opens up the defense and allows receivers behind them. A few coaches comment of the option play, Bedard provides a complete play analysis. Bedard then goes into describing how the option play works. The option baits in a defensive player, and if successful, the ball goes the other way. However, if the player doesnt attack correctly, the team would have practically handed over the ball. Bedard lists examples of different ways this works; he provides instances in which this play works to perfection for one of the best defensive teams, the Chicago Bears (42). He also includes a full breakdown of the option, which has three stages that can be adjusted depending on how the defense responds. The author is successful in comparing and contrasting the different approaches between the option

and the read option play. Bedard displays both scenarios on paper and how they work in real time (42-43). The article only exposes the audience to the beginning of the onslaught to come. The option has a ton of potential in this league, and Bedard demonstrates that he fully recognizes that even the best plays have flaws. The conclusion that Bedard gives, creates tension and excitement in witnessing the option play in action by saying that(t)he stage is set. The field is even. The proving grounds of the read option in the NFL is upon us (46). With this, Bedard challenges both the defense and offensive to be successful in using the option play.