Playbooks

HB Mtn QB Zone

Shotgun·Bunch Str Offset·11
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 3 playbooks

Sim Multirolepersonnel Rn OffenseOffenseSim Volumedistribution Ba OffenseOffenseSim Volumedistribution Rn OffenseOffense

Breakdown

HB Mtn QB Zone is a zone read run play out of the Bunch Str Offset set in Shotgun, giving the QB a mesh point read against the play side defensive end while the offensive line executes a zone blocking scheme with track steps. The bunch alignment to the strength side helps create natural picks for stalk blocks on the perimeter, and the QB has the option to pull the ball on a keep if the end crashes down on the handoff. The primary read progression starts with the QB reading the mesh defender to decide give or keep, then working to the playside alley and cutback lanes based on how the linebackers flow.

Defensive Reads

Identify the play side defensive end pre-snap and see if he is a crash defender who sells out on the run every time Watch linebacker depth at the snap, since shallow linebackers who fill fast get exposed on cutback lanes if the QB reads zone flow correctly Check for an extra defender walked into the box pre-snap, which signals a run blitz or gap exchange designed to stop the zone scheme This play struggles against disciplined scrape exchange linebackers who stay square and force the ball back inside without overpursuing Look for a spy or contain defender assigned to the QB, since teams that respect the zone read keep an athlete outside to eliminate the keep option

Usage Tips

Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to bait the defensive end into showing his hand before the snap so the QB read is easier to execute

Run this against base fronts and light boxes with six or fewer defenders in the box, since heavier boxes clog the cutback lanes

Hot route the bunch receivers into quick option routes if you see man coverage rolled up tight, since the traffic in bunch alignment creates natural rubs

Pair this with HB Mtn QB Sweep and Mtn Inside Zone in the same set to keep the defense guessing between zone read, sweep, and downhill run looks

On third and short or second and manageable, call this to punish aggressive edge defenders who key the mesh point too fast and get sealed off

Other Plays in Bunch Str Offset