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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
Fake HB Zone QB Boot Lt is a play-action bootleg out of the I Form H Tight set that sells inside zone to the HB before the QB rolls left. The diagram shows the offensive line stepping right on zone flow to hold the defensive front while the QB reverses out to the left edge, with one receiver running a deep vertical route on the backside and a second underneath receiver breaking into the flat as a checkdown option. This is a run-action pass designed to attack defenses that bite hard on inside zone tendencies, with the primary read progressing from the deep vertical shot first, then working down to the flat route as the QB gets to the edge on the boot.
Defensive Reads
Watch for edge defenders or a contain linebacker sitting outside the tackle box pre snap, since a disciplined edge that does not bite on the zone fake can blow up the boot before the QB gets outside. Identify single high safety shells like Cover 1 or Cover 3, these are the most vulnerable to the deep vertical route once the safety steps up to help against the run fake. Keep an eye on the flat defender, usually a corner or outside linebacker in zone, because if he sinks with the vertical route instead of staying on the flat you have an easy checkdown throw. Look out for a user controlled linebacker spying the QB or scraping hard on the run fake, since a disciplined defender who does not commit to the fake can undercut the boot route or force the QB to throw off platform. Two high safety shells like Cover 2 or Cover 4 are the toughest matchup for this play since they keep numbers over the top of the vertical route, so lean on the flat option and quick decision making in those cases.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs like first or second and medium when the defense has shown heavy respect for your inside zone run game out of I Form H Tight, since the run fake sells hardest against aggressive run fits. Check the safety depth pre snap, if you see a single high safety cheating up into the box that is your green light to take the deep vertical shot on the roll. Use your left analog stick to slide the pocket with the QB boot and keep your eyes downfield instead of immediately tucking the ball, since the extra time lets the vertical route clear the level of the defense. Pair this play in your sequence with HB Stretch or 26 Duo earlier in the drive so the linebackers and edge defenders start keying run action hard, making the boot fake far more effective when you call it later. If the flat defender or a user linebacker widens with the flat route immediately post snap, know that means the underneath option is covered and you should climb the pocket and look for the vertical shot instead.
