An option offense is an American football offensive system in which a key player has several "options" of how each play will proceed based upon the actions of the defense. Traditionally, option-based offenses rely on running plays, though most mix in forward passes from an option formation as a change of pace. A successful option-based offense can keep possession of the ball for long periods of time, giving the opposing offense fewer possessions and keeping the option team's defense rested. However, because passing is often not a strength of the system, it can be difficult for option-based offenses to come back from a large deficit or to score quickly when needed.
The option offense can be run out of various formations. Here, Morris Knolls High School of Denville, New Jersey is running the veer option.
Urban Meyer's spread offense at Florida with QB Tim Tebow
A QB pitches the ball.
A lateral during an option play.
The quarterback, colloquially known as the "signal caller", is a position in gridiron football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive platoon and mostly line up directly behind the offensive line. In modern American football, the quarterback is usually considered the leader of the offense, and is often responsible for calling the play in the huddle. The quarterback also touches the ball on almost every offensive play, and is almost always the offensive player that throws forward passes. When the QB is tackled behind the line of scrimmage, it is called a sack.
Seven-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Tom Brady attempting a forward pass in a 2009 game against the Washington Redskins.
Navy quarterback Craig Candeto pitches the ball while running an option-based offense
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (No. 12) breaks the Packers' offensive huddle
Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski acting as the ball holder for a kick