Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Gaps B is a run-stop defensive front out of the 5-3 Goal Line Defense, designed to plug the interior B-gaps on both sides of the center. The diagram shows five down linemen crashing straight downhill through their assigned gaps, with the linebackers stacked behind ready to fill and the corners holding the edges outside the box. This is not a coverage-based play, it is a gap-control run play meant to stack the line of scrimmage and stop dive and iso runs before they develop, with the primary read being the ball carrier's initial track into the B-gap.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, look at the offensive line splits, tight B-gap splits usually confirm inside run intent that this front is built to stop. Watch the fullback or lead blocker alignment, if he is stacked behind the guard, expect a dive or iso run right into the crashing linemen. Post-snap, key the down linemen's gap shoots, if they get consistent penetration the run should be dead in the backfield. This front is vulnerable to outside zone and stretch runs since the linemen are crashing inside and leave the edges thinner, so watch for tackles trying to reach block outside. Beware play-action out of goal line personnel, since the entire front sells run so hard that a boot or rollover pass can catch linebackers flat-footed.
Usage Tips
Call Gaps B on short yardage and goal line situations when you expect a power run or dive between the tackles.
Check the offensive personnel pre-snap, if you see extra blockers or a fullback lined up tight, this front is built to win that matchup.
Pair Gaps B with Gaps A B or Gaps All in your play-calling sequence so the offense cannot key on which gap you are sealing snap to snap.
User the middle linebacker and key the guard's first step, if he pulls or the ball carrier bounces outside, be ready to flow laterally.
Avoid this call on clear passing downs since the aggressive gap crashes leave little support if the offense breaks tendency with a play-action shot.
