Packers: Film reveals team must improve screen, read-option

Packers: The read-option

When Aaron Rodgers started, the read-option was used only as a surprise tactic in the rarest of circumstances. But now, it should become a much bigger part of the playbook.

Let’s look at two read-options from the Saints game.

Attempt #1

On this play, Hundley is reading the left defensive end, #91. The end is lined up wide outside the tackle, but he commits to the handoff while Hundley is making his decision.

Montgomery ends up going for four yards, but it might have been more if Hundley had kept the ball and turned the corner.

Attempt #2

Finally, let’s see a successful read option to catch a glimpse of what the Packers’ offense can do well with Hundley under center.

Here, Hundley reads the left outside linebacker, who stops in his tracks as he tries to see what Hundley will do. Hundley sees this, pulls the ball, and takes off for the right sideline.

This isn’t a play that the Packers would want to risk Rodgers running, but Hundley is fast enough to outrace Craig Robertson to the sideline, running for a gain of eight and a first down despite a pretty disciplined play by #52.

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Conclusion

The Packers clearly have a ways to go with both screen passes and read-options.

In the New Orleans game, the read-option seemed to hold more promise.

With Hundley’s running ability and the many dynamic options in the screen game, however, both concepts have to be very promising to McCarthy.

Figuring these creative plays out could go a long way toward helping the Packers survive Rodgers’ absence.