Boot / naked
What it is
A play-action fake followed by the quarterback rolling opposite the run action, with a flat, a crosser and a deep route.
Why it matters
Boot is a flood concept sold by a run fake, and it works on exactly the defenders the run game has been punishing: the backside end who chases and the linebackers who flow. Naked means no protection is left behind, so a defender who does not chase is unblocked and in the quarterback's face — which is why the boot's health is a direct readout of the defense's backside discipline.
Both sides of it
Running it
Sell the run fake fully, then roll away from it. A crosser comes from the backside at about ten, a flat route runs underneath, and one receiver clears deep. The quarterback works high to low and has the run as his last option — the throw on the move is easier when the shoulders stay square to the target.
Stopping it
Backside discipline defeats boot before it starts. The backside end must not chase the run action and becomes the contain rusher; the backside linebacker carries the crosser rather than flowing. On naked there is nobody blocking the end, so a disciplined defender arrives free — which is why this play is a direct test of whether the backside is being coached.
Also called
Programs call this boot, bootleg, naked or waggle. The Coach answers to any of them.
Related
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