Cutup Friday: 2020 Raiders Choice Dragon
This breakdown is taken directly from The 2020 Las Vegas Raiders Complete Offensive Manual
This version or Choice, paired with the Dragon concept, is relatively unique. This concept pairing makes the play a pre-snap pick-a-side read. Against two high structures, the QB should work the Choice side as the Choice route will be 1 on 1 most often. Against single high, the defense is more likely to get a squeeze/bracket on the choice route, so the quarterback can work the Dragon concept. As a fail safe against post snap rotation, the running back checking over the ball is a safe check down.
If you know you won’t get much post snap rotation from a defense, this version is quite useful. This pairing ensures the ball will get out quickly as well, with no back side progression.
The Choice concept within this structure (similar to the other versions) is run by either Waller or Renfrow. Both Waller and Renfrow have a strong grasp of the techniques needed to run this route.
Why it Worked: In week 4 Carr completes the Choice to Renfrow as the off ball #1 receiver vs cover 4. With the flat defender tucked inside the #2 receiver and occupied by his vertical release, Renfrow picks up a nice gain by breaking out.
In week 2, Carr hits Waller on the Choice route vs a Cover 1 pressure look from the Saints.
Why it Didn’t Work: In week 7, the Bucs play Cover 1 with a five man pressure. The man defender play inside leverage on the Choice route and forces Waller to beak out. The defender makes the tackle right at the catch point preventing a 3rd down conversion.
In week 10 Carr tries to hit the corner route vs a cover 2 look. The route is open, but Carr tries to make a safe throw and his mechanics are a little off as he is falling to his left as he is releasing the ball.
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The video below is a 6-minute cutup of Choice Dragon:
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