2023 Texans Choice/Lookie Chill
One of the simplest ways to get your playmakers the ball is to give them options to win against 1 on 1 coverages. With Choice Chill, Bobby Slowik creates an easy 1-2 read for CJ Stroud and gives the receivers/tight ends/running backs tools to win.
Choice Chill is a newer concept in the Shanahan/Slowik offense. The 49ers started calling this in 2022. I have discussed this concept at length in Game Planning with the 2022 San Francisco 49ers and Game Planning with the 2023 San Francisco 49ers.
The concept is a beefed up version of Choice Return, the base install version of the play. Chill is the term used to described the backside Choice. This route delays, or chills, for a second or two at the snap. This creates the timing of the play, and allows both Choice routes to break sequentially for the quarterback.
The concept is a 1-2 progression read with two underneath option routes. Each route has the freedom to break away from tight (man) coverage, or settle down against zone looks.
Chill is a good back side concept against two high defenses. The route can get a 1 on 1 against a Mike linebacker against these looks. The front side Choice is still the primary, and can often get open against two high, but defenses still have ways to mitigate and take it away. That’s where the Chill route on the Mike comes into play.
The week 10 clip shows Stroud getting to the back side Choice against single high. The middle hole defender squeezes the front side Choice, creating a double team. The running back out of the backfield is left 1 on 1 with the linebacker in space as the second read in the progression.
Why it Worked: In week 13, Stroud hits the front side Choice against a blitz. The blitz leaves the receiver uncovered.
In week 5, the front side Lookie/Choice wins against man coverage. Atlanta rushes 5, leaving no middle hole help for the man defender.
Why it Didn’t Work: Route technique is critical with Choice routes. They should only be called for certain receivers that have a master of the nuance to the route. Poor technique often leads to the receiver not being able to win the 1 on 1.
In week 1 and week 10, Stroud throws the out element of the Choice route. Both are contested well by the man defender.
The video below is a nearly 7-minute cutup of the concept.
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