What does it mean that an NFL quarterback goes through progressions?
In American football, quarterbacks are responsible for making quick and accurate decisions under pressure. One of the key skills they must master is "going through progressions." This refers to a specific process that quarterbacks follow when reading the defense and choosing a receiver to throw the ball to.
Step 1: Pre-snap Read
Before the ball is snapped, the quarterback surveys the defense to identify potential weak spots. They note the number of defenders in each area of the field and their alignment.
Step 2: Primary Target
Once the ball is snapped, the quarterback immediately looks for their primary target, who is usually the receiver they anticipate will be most open.
Step 3: Secondary and Tertiary Targets
If the primary target is covered, the quarterback moves on to their secondary and then tertiary targets. They work through this progression until they find a receiver who is available and in a position to receive the ball.
Step 4: Hot Route
In some situations, the quarterback may call an audible to a hot route, which is a pre-planned escape route for a receiver. This is used when the original progression breaks down due to unexpected coverage.
Step 5: Scramble
If none of the receivers are open, the quarterback may choose to scramble, which means they run with the ball themselves or check down to a running back for a short pass.
Related Questions:
- What is the primary goal of a quarterback when they go through progressions? To find an open receiver to throw the ball to.
- What is a hot route? A planned escape route for a receiver called in case of unexpected coverage.
- How many steps are involved in the quarterback's progression? Four.
- What is the final step in a progression if no receivers are open? Scramble or check down to a running back.
- What is the significance of pre-snap reads in the progression process? They help the quarterback identify potential weak spots in the defense.
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