Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
F Lead Read Option is a run play out of Pistol Strong Slot Close with 21 personnel that puts the QB in a zone read look with an H-back lead blocker in the backfield. The offensive line down blocks toward the play side while the fullback/H-back leads through the hole, and the QB reads the backside edge defender to decide whether to hand off or pull and keep. This is a run-first option play designed to attack defenses that crash hard on the running back, not a pass concept, and the primary read progression is exchange key first (the QB reads the unblocked edge defender) then the QB's eyes go downhill to find the crease created by the lead blocker.
Defensive Reads
Watch the defensive end or edge player assigned to the mesh point since he is the exchange key the QB is reading. Check linebacker depth before the snap because stacked or blitzing linebackers can beat the lead blocker to the point of attack and blow up the play design. Identify whether the defense is running scrape exchange, if the defensive end crashes down and a linebacker scrapes outside to replace him, this play gets shut down and the QB needs to have an answer or check to a pass. Look for overloaded run fronts or run blitzes with extra defenders in the box, since this play struggles when it loses the numbers advantage. Man coverage on the perimeter with safeties creeping into the box is a green light for this run, but two deep shells with disciplined edge defenders make the read tougher to execute.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and only run this away from an overloaded defensive front so your lead blocker has a clean angle on the second level defender. Use this on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage where defenses are not yet in obvious pass shells. If the defensive end sits and squeezes the mesh point, pull the ball and get to the edge before the force defender can fold in. Pair this with PA Boot Lt or Mills out of the same Strong Slot Close set so the defense has to respect play action off identical backfield action before you hit them with the read option look. Use HB Dive as a change-up call in the same personnel to keep linebackers honest and slow their run fits against this specific concept.
