Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Read Option out of Shotgun Bunch Offset is a pure zone read run play built around the QB's ability to keep or give based on the backside defensive end. The offensive line executes a zone blocking scheme flowing to the play side while the bunch receivers to the right release into vertical stems to occupy the corner and safety over the top. The RB runs a give path off the QB's outside hip, and the primary read progression is the play side defensive end: if he crashes down on the RB, the QB pulls and attacks the alley; if he stays home or widens, the QB gives to the RB into the vacated hole.
Defensive Reads
Watch the play side defensive end pre-snap, if he is crashing hard on run downs he is susceptible to the QB keep. Check linebacker depth, stacked or downhill linebackers signal run blitz and will beat this play to the mesh point. Look for a heavy box with 8 defenders in the box, this is the biggest indicator the defense has sold out to stop this concept. Man coverage on the bunch receivers with the corner playing tight can bait the defense into overcommitting to run support, opening the QB keep lane. Beware of scrape exchange technique from disciplined defenses, where the DE crashes and the linebacker replaces him on the edge, this neutralizes the keep read.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap, this play needs a light box (six or fewer defenders) to hit efficiently against base fronts.
Identify if the defense is playing a 3-4 or 4-3 look, since the backside DE alignment changes how quickly you need to make the read.
Use manual motion or a hard count to bait the defensive end into showing his hand early so your read is easier post-snap.
Pair this with Outside Zone and Inside Zone Split in the same set to keep the defense guessing between zone read and standard zone runs without changing formation.
Best called on early downs (1st and 10, 2nd and short) when defenses are more likely to sit in base run fronts instead of nickel or dime packages.
