Down and out (football)

For other uses, see Down and out (disambiguation).

Down and Out is a passing play in American football where the quarterback passes to a pre-arranged wide receiver. The quarterback calls "down and out" (and "to right or left") in the huddle. It's understood that the best receiver on the pre-arranged side will be the target. The timing and location of the throw is extensively practiced beforehand.

This is a quick execution play; if the ball is thrown correctly usually a defensive player can't respond quickly enough to interfere. It is often called in a 3rd-down situation where the full ten yards are needed.