Cheetah

When to call it

First play of a drive, any short-yardage down, or whenever their rusher is getting home fast.

Tap a player to see just their job on the field.

• QBQuarterback — PasserCatch the snap, pick a side, throw within two seconds.
• XOutside left — Slant, left sideTwo hard steps upfield, then cut sharply to the middle at an angle. Expect the ball right away.
• AInside left — Flat, left sidePush 2 yards, then sprint flat to the sideline. Turn your head around early.
• CCenter — Safety valveSnap, take one step into the rusher's path (hands at your sides), then pop out to 4 yards and turn around.
• YInside right — Flat, right sidePush 2 yards, then sprint flat to the sideline. Turn your head around early.
• ZOutside right — Slant, right sideTwo hard steps upfield, then cut sharply to the middle at an angle. Expect the ball right away.
• HFlex — Seam, keeps the deep defenders honestRun straight up the middle as fast as you can. If the safeties ignore you, you're open deep.

QB reads

1. 1Before the snap, pick the side with fewer defenders. Throw only to that side.
2. 2Slant on that side, as soon as it breaks.
3. 3If a defender is sitting in the slant, throw the flat.
4. 4If you are rushed, C in the middle.

Keys to making it work

• Two seconds. The ball has to be gone before the rusher gets there.
• Slants: catch it, then turn straight upfield. Don't dance.
• Flats: get to the sideline fast, then turn and run.