When it comes to Chris Olave's preseason touchdown, the feedback was mixed.
The route wasn't particularly pretty, there's no doubt about that. But the rookie's head coach gushed about his young player's route-running ability, and QB Ian Book applauded his receiver for the effort.
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So, what gives? Well it goes back to the play design, which was intended to space Olave to the corner with Marquez Callaway forcing the deep defenders to leverage themselves inside.
Olave's route is supposed to work inside, then pivot, work up through the numbers and to the area of the field where he ultimately caught the ball. The issue is the defensive scheme forced him inside and chucked him off the line, hence the "ugliness." But that's where the impressive part happens. I'll let Book explain:
"He got inside but he was still able to expand, which was huge," Book said. "He got back on that landmark where he needs to be. That just shows you his feel as a rookie, which is pretty special."
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Despite being thrown off-course, Olave was able to recognize where he was on the field, space -- or "expand" as Ian Book calls it -- back inside up the numbers and arrive at the place he was supposed to be at the time his QB needs him to be there. Once Book rolls out to the right, there's only one receiver he can throw to. Olave made sure he was open, and even did the extra work of turning inside to clear the pylon for his first career score.
So yes, ugly can also be beautiful.
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