Playbooks
Fake Punt FB Off Tackle is a direct snap fake punt run play out of the Direct Snaps formation that catches punt return units in personnel mismatches and passive alignments. The fullback takes the direct snap and follows blocks off tackle, reading the edge defender and the play side linebacker for the crease. This is a pure run concept with no pass options, and the primary read progression is the off tackle gap, bounce outside if the edge is sealed, or cut back if the play side is clogged.
Look for the defense to substitute in a full punt safe or standard defensive package pre-snap, that alignment kills this play instantly and you should abort to a real punt if possible. Check the depth and width of the outside gunners and edge defenders on the return unit, if they are lined up in punt return stance without run fit discipline, the off tackle lane is wide open. Watch the linebacker depth at the snap, if second level defenders are already retreating for punt return blocking assignments instead of reading run, this play beats them clean. Post-snap, key on whether any defender recognizes the direct snap and breaks downhill immediately, a disciplined edge defender who stays square and reads the fullback can shut this down before it develops. Beware of any defense that has seen film on fake punt tendencies, since smart opponents will spy the fullback or keep a linebacker at normal run fit depth instead of retreating into return coverage.
Only call this play when the defense shows a standard punt return look with no punt safe or block unit substitution, since real linebackers and edge defenders will blow this up immediately.
Check pre-snap alignment of the outside contain defenders on the punt return unit, if they are lined up wide and upfield instead of staying home, this play has a huge lane off tackle.
Use this on fourth and short or fourth and manageable in your own territory or near midfield, since a stuffed fake punt is a low risk, high reward gamble when field position loss is minimal.
Sequence this play early in a fake punt package before defenses start expecting a fake, then save direct snap pass options in the same set for later fourth down situations once the defense starts crashing down on the run fake.
Once you get the fullback moving downhill, get to the hole quickly and trust your blockers rather than trying to make people miss, since return units often overpursue and open up cutback lanes.