Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
QB Blast is a designed QB run out of Shotgun Ace 12 personnel, lined up with two TEs tight to the formation and a single HB offset in the backfield. The diagram shows the QB taking a direct downhill blast run through the interior gap behind the center and guards, with the offensive line stepping to create a vertical run lane rather than pulling or executing a zone flow. This is a pure gap run scheme designed to attack aggressive fronts and light boxes, with the primary read being a straight downhill hit off the center's block based on which side the interior gap opens up.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, count the box defenders and check linebacker depth, since QB Blast is most effective against light or passive fronts with linebackers playing off the ball. Watch for a Mike linebacker sitting still or reading run keys immediately at the snap, since a downhill blitzing linebacker can blow up this play before the QB gets vertical. User the Mike or a spy defender to attack the interior gap directly, since there is no lead blocker to account for a free hitter. Overload blitzes or heavy fronts with extra defenders stacked over the center will shut this play down quickly, so bail into a pass check if you see that pre-snap look. Watch cornerback and safety depth as well, since if the defense sells out to stop the run with tight man coverage on the outside, the QB has no immediate outlet and must commit to the blast.
Usage Tips
Call QB Blast when you diagnose light boxes pre-snap, ideally six or fewer defenders in the box against your 12 personnel look.
Use this play on short yardage and goal line situations where a hard-nosed interior run with your athletic QB can pick up tough yards.
Pair QB Blast with RPO Peek Slant and RPO Zone Peek from this same set so defenses have to respect both the run action and the quick passing game off similar formation looks.
Sequence QB Blast after establishing Inside Zone or Power Read earlier in the game so linebackers start flowing hard, then hit them with the direct blast to punish overaggressive fills.
Avoid calling this against stacked fronts with extra defenders in the box, since there is no lead blocker or pulling guard to create an extra gap.
