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Points to clarify:
Option routes: Part of good route running is recognizing a coverage scheme and running the right route against the right defense. This includes running the route into the seam that you're given, whether or not the seam is in the "right" place. This brings us to the next point...
Finding the seam: By way of example, the seam against a 3-deep is on the numbers (the field's numbers, not the player's) behind the linebackers. If the "center fielder" is cheating to the other side (or is looked off to the other side by the QB), then the sweet spot on the field moves a little to the inside.
These first to points work best when used together, and when the QB and WR are totally in synch. When they're not, it's best to run routes the way the routes are drawn regardless of the defense, because this scheme is an interception machine with a stupid QB (Chris Rix).
Knowing the Pass Rush: This is by far one of the most subtle points of route running, and is not even taught by a number of WR coaches, even at the IA level. Knowing where the spots on the field are where THE QB CAN [censored]ING SEE YOU is a very important point, but it requires the WR to be savvy to the pass rush scheme, propensities and proclivities of the opposition. If you have an especially tall QB, or if your WRs are finding it hard enough to just learn coverages; then this subtle, albeit very important aspect of route running might be better left alone. Obviously this is more important on drag, hook and curl patterns.
Even where this skill is taught, it is rarely done well. Receivers who are good at finding the places where the QB can see them (without a DL in his face) get so many receptions that message boards are filled with "Why can't QBx throw to someone other than WRy" threads.
Sound familiar?
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