Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn Lead Outside Zone is an outside zone run play out of the Shotgun Bunch TE Str formation, using a pre-snap motion to shift the bunch receiver across the formation before the snap. The offensive line flows laterally in an outside zone blocking scheme, with the fullback or lead blocker climbing through the alley to lead the running back to the play side edge. The primary read progression starts with the play side edge defender and flows to the second level linebacker, letting the running back press the line and cut based on how the defense flows to the zone action.
Defensive Reads
Key on the play side defensive end and outside linebacker pre-snap, since a light box or a defender crashing hard inside will open the cutback lane for the running back. Watch the second level linebackers post-snap, because if they flow too fast to the play side the running back can cut back against the grain for a big gain. This play struggles against a disciplined defense that plays outside zone contain with the edge defender staying square and forcing the run back inside into pursuit. Look for a user-controlled linebacker sitting in the run fit or spying the lead blocker, since that defender can blow up the play if he reads the zone flow quickly. Heavy fronts with extra defensive linemen or a run blitz called from depth can clog the zone lanes, so identify stacked box alignments pre-snap before committing to the handoff.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify whether the defense is playing man or zone, since a defender following the motion man across the formation reveals man coverage and opens up the edge for the outside zone.
Call this play on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage to keep defenses honest and set up play-action shots later in the drive.
Combine Mtn Lead Outside Zone with Mtn PA Cross X-Choice or PA Double Post from the same set so the defense has to respect the run action before you hit them with a play-action shot off similar formation and motion.
If the defense stacks the box pre-snap with extra run defenders, consider hot routing a receiver into a quick option instead of forcing the zone run into a loaded front.
Trust the lead blocker to seal the edge defender and let the running back press the line before making one cut, rather than trying to bounce it outside too early.
