Basic question re:WR reads
 

Hi All- Maybe a stupid question, but how do WRs know when to adjust their results due to a blitz? I mean, isn't the blitz normally behind them, which leads me to ask, how do they know it's there? If it's a safety blitz I guess the WRs could see that coming, but how can they see if it's only the front 7 blitzing and they're already several yeards downfield, or if it's a delayed blitz?

Re: Basic question re:WR reads
 

The quarterback reads the defense and checks off the play at the line of scrimmage if he anticipates blitz. The QB communicates this to the receivers via voice, hand signals, leg signals, etc. Most of the adjustments are already done pre-snap. Other times a receiver will break off his route depending on what a defender in his area is or is not doing. It's fascinating how much information these guys are expected to process and react to in split seconds.

Re: Basic question re:WR reads
 

Furthermore there is nearly always a short dump pass option so there's bound to be at least one receiver turned and ready to catch even if the QB hasn't properly seen the blitz formation.

Re: Basic question re:WR reads
 

This also brings into focus the "familiarity" aspect of the QB/WR relationship. Beyond what the QB may signal presnap, as the play develops, adjustments can be made on the fly between a QB and WR that have been together for some time. Brady showed an example of this during an All Access segment(IIRC) with Branch when he showed how Branch was almost "reading my mind", as they ran a route with no signals at all.

Re: Basic question re:WR reads
 

Thanks folks!

Re: Basic question re:WR reads
 

If you could crunch enough tape I wouldn't be at all surprised that you'd find a very subtle sign had been given.

For our Hong Kong mirror wrecker: As I understand it from my reading and listening...there are pre- and post-snap reads for every player on the field. The WRs are upright, so they have an opportunity to see across the formation for blitz reads on the other side, they also will see signals from skill position players on the other side or in the backfield. On their own side they need to be reading the players there and watching the QB for route changes since there are changes right up until the snap. After the snap, they need to read the defenders as they drop to their assigned coverage area or man-up on receivers - this will also indicate blitzs and tell them to break-off and look for the ball early.
The Defense tries to counter by moving around to give false reads, part of the reason the Patriots and Colts (for two) get up to the line early is it allows Tommy and Peytie to make a pre-snap read, start the snap count, then stop and make another adjustment as the defense shifts and gives away it's intentions. The Pats linemen have to be really disciplined since they may be in their stance for 10 seconds or more while the pre-snap dancing goes on (and that's not just Peyton's soft shoe routine).
I recall color men commenting about missed reads by WRs, usually new guys. You'll also note the guys in the booth calling a blitz before it happens, just because they read it from the formation the way the guys on the field should be doing.

Re: Basic question re:WR reads
 

It was interesting to see the Jets against the Pats this year where the LB's all milled around in a group behind the defensive line until just before the snap. It gave them an advantage in that Brady found it very hard to read what exactly they intended.

In the playoffs it was great to see the battle of wits when the Pats countered this by changing the snap count and running a no-huddle offense to keep the Jets guessing. Also they used a lot of quick passes to the sideline to cut down the amount of time Brady had the ball in his hand.

I thought it was fascinating to watch. Great stuff.

Re: Basic question re:WR reads
 

It's amazing how complicated the game is and how many subtle nuances there are. Novices see it as big guys just smashing each other and running around, when actually there's far more thinking and planning with football than any other sport, as far as I can see. I mean, I've been a huge NFL fan for over 20 years, and I don't know squat. And I'm obviously quite brilliant.

Re: Basic question re:WR reads
 

:rofl:

Brilliant indeed! That might just be my new sig!

Re: Basic question re:WR reads
 

Now THAT would make me proud.