Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
94 Will out of I Form Slot Close (21 personnel) is a power run play designed to hit off tackle to the strong side. The diagram shows the fullback and playside guard/tackle working as lead blockers pulling toward the point of attack, with the HB taking the handoff and following the puller through the Will side hole off tackle. The two receivers to the boundary run vertical releases up the numbers to occupy corners and hold the deep defenders, clearing space for the run lane instead of running an actual pass concept. Primary read progression for the ball carrier is to press the mesh point, key the pulling blocker's path, and decide between hitting the designated hole off tackle or bouncing outside if the edge defender crashes down too hard.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, count the box defenders and check for a walked-up linebacker or safety cheating into the alley, which signals a run blitz designed to beat power. Watch defensive end and outside linebacker alignment on the play side. If they are shaded outside the tackle, the cutback lane behind the pullers opens up. Post-snap, user-controlled defenders flowing hard downhill can blow up the pulling linemen, so be ready to identify penetration early and cut it back immediately. This play struggles against gap-sound 4-3 Under or 46 fronts that key the fullback's pull path, since the extra defender in the box fills the lane before the puller arrives. It beats light boxes and defenses in nickel or dime personnel that are playing pass-heavy shells, since they lack the extra body needed to fill the off tackle gap.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs (1st and 10, 2nd and short) when you need to establish tempo and set up play-action later in the drive.
Check the box count pre-snap. If the defense has 6 or fewer in the box, this is a green light to run it as designed.
Use the fullback lead blocker as your primary key. Press the hole and let the FB dictate whether you cut backside or bounce to the alley.
Pair this with PA Sprint HB Flat or PA Shot Post from the same Slot Close set once the defense starts cheating linebackers up to stop the run.
Against aggressive edge defenders who crash hard on run fits, use the cutback lane behind the pulling lineman rather than forcing it outside.
