Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Read Option out of Shotgun Bunch Offset Close is a true zone read run play that puts the QB in a mesh point decision with the HB, reading the play side defensive end. The offensive line blocks down and to the play side while the bunch receivers (two stacked to one side, one detached) run off coverage with vertical releases to hold defenders and clear the edge for the QB keep. This is not a pass concept, it is a run play designed to beat aggressive fronts and light boxes, with the primary read being the unblocked play side EMOL: give the ball on a crash inside, pull it on a squeeze or upfield charge.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the play side defensive end alignment and depth since that is the exact key the QB reads for the give/keep decision. Watch for a scraping linebacker or edge defender staying home in contain, which forces the QB to give the ball inside rather than test the corner. If the defense shows a heavy box with 7 or more defenders, expect the give read to be shut down and the offense to counter with the QB keep instead. User the play side defensive end and lock him in his run fit rather than crashing hard, since taking away both options neutralizes this play completely. Zone coverage shells with safeties reading run flow can fast fill the alley, so keying safety depth and trigger speed on run action is critical to stopping the QB keep lane.
Usage Tips
Check the box count pre-snap and only run this into 6 or fewer defenders in the box for a clean numbers advantage.
Use the bunch receivers as de facto blockers by letting their vertical releases occupy corners and safeties instead of hot routing them into quick routes.
Attack odd fronts and 3-4 looks where the play side end has conflicting run/contain assignments, since that is where the zone read hesitation shows up most.
Pair this with Duo and HB Base earlier in a drive to establish inside run tendencies, then hit Read Option once the defense starts crashing hard on down blocks.
On third and short, favor the QB keep if the defense shows man coverage on the perimeter since the bunch alignment creates natural rub potential if you need to bail into a scramble.
