Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
HB Off Tackle out of the I Form Tight set is a downhill run play with the FB leading through the hole and the offensive line blocking down to seal the edge just outside the tackle. The diagram shows the HB taking a slight angle off tackle behind the FB lead block, with the TE and offensive line executing down blocks and kick outs to create a lane between the tackle and the edge defender. This is a gap scheme run play designed to attack the C gap, so the primary read is the FB's block on the edge defender first, then the HB decides to bend it outside off tackle or cut it up inside if the linebacker flows too far.
Defensive Reads
Watch the defensive end and outside linebacker alignment before the snap, if they are sitting wide in a 9 technique this play can struggle to find room off tackle. Key the strong side linebacker's first step, if he flows hard to the play side gap the HB should look to cut it back inside off the FB's block. This run gets stopped by odd front looks with a 3-4 or 46 Bear front that clogs the C gap with extra defensive linemen. Look for user-controlled defenders spying the FB lead block, if the defense sends a linebacker unblocked off the edge the play has no answer without a cutback lane. Beats light boxes and base 4-3 fronts where the defense is playing off coverage on the perimeter, since there is no extra run support near the line of scrimmage.
Usage Tips
Run this out of base personnel on early downs when the defense shows a light box with only six or fewer defenders in the run fit.
Check the alignment of the defensive end and outside linebacker pre-snap, if they are crashing hard down inside, bounce the HB off tackle wider for a bigger gain.
Use this play to set up HB Power O and HB Counter later in the series, since all three hit similar gaps but with different blocking angles that punish overaggressive linebackers.
Pair this with HB Lead or FB Dive on early downs to keep the defense honest before hitting HB Off Tackle as a change of pace against a stacked box.
If the CPU or opponent shows heavy blitz pre-snap, consider hot routing the FB to adjust his block or motion the HB to identify man versus zone before the snap.
