checkdowns
Safe outlet throws
Checkdowns are short, safe passes in American football thrown to a nearby receiver—usually a running back—when the quarterback's primary targets are covered.
The checkdown is a deliberate choice to take modest yardage rather than risk an interception or sack: He's been throwing nothing but checkdowns all game.
Critics sometimes use it dismissively to characterize overly cautious quarterbacking.
Brief nearby throw
- safety valveAutomatic pressure-limiting device
- running backLocomoting to prior location
- quarterbackPassing position in football
- pressureForce upon contact
completion · screen pass · swing pass · outlet · offensive coordinator · play action · tight end · Alex Smith
Preference for certainty
- backup planAlternative if primary fails
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- alternativeAnother available choice
- contingencyUncertain possible event
low risk · predictable · criticism · prevent defense · time management · ball control · game management · calculated
short pass
Brief nearby throw
- safety valveAutomatic pressure-limiting device
- running backLocomoting to prior location
- quarterbackPassing position in football
pressure · completion · screen pass · swing pass · outlet · offensive coordinator · play action · tight end · Alex Smith · conservative
risk aversion
Preference for certainty
- backup planAlternative if primary fails
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- alternativeAnother available choice
contingency · low risk · predictable · criticism · prevent defense · time management · ball control · game management · calculated · field general