Perhaps the use of the word 'decoy' is improper, but it is common in route combinations for one receiver to clear out an area of the field so someone else can get open.
Here's a link to a play that has that feature: [
bleacherreport.com]
"– To the closed (strong) side of the formation, the No. 1 receiver (count outside-in) runs a clear-out 9 (fade) route (occupy the cornerback) to create space inside/underneath for No. 2/No. 3 to run the flat-stick (quick out) combination. This gives the quarterback a quick, two-level read inside."
From my reading, the OP would call the No.1 receiver a decoy. But I guess one could say that he is running a clear-out 9. Regardless, the role of No.1 in this play is to create space for the other two receivers. And the way I read it the No. 1 receiver in this play isn't in the progression.
There are lots of references out there that describe route combinations where one of the receivers' only job is to draw defenders away from the intended target(s). Here are a few more:
[
www.thephinsider.com] "the corner route is a out-breaking route that is run toward - get this - the corner.
The route is often used to create space underneath by pulling the safety out of the middle of the field."[
en.wikipedia.org]) "
Fly patterns can also be used to clear out space for other receivers. Generally, a fly pattern will draw the attention of both the cornerback assigned to the receiver as well as "over the top" help from a safety. This can create a large gap in coverage, allowing another receiver to run a shorter route, but then gain many yards after the catch because the safety committed to the deep man. "
[
books.google.com] "We can also tag inside receivers with several alternative routes and simply
use the outside fade route to clear out for other receivers in the area."
AlbaNY_Ram
