Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Indy Bunch is a man beater out of the Shotgun Bunch TE set that uses the tight bunch alignment to create natural rub and pick action against man coverage defenders. The concept releases the bunch receivers on staggered angles designed to break off leverage, with the outside receiver working an isolation route to give the quarterback a one on one shot if the defense shows man coverage. The primary read progression starts with the isolated outside receiver, then works into the bunch for the shallow crosser or dig as the second read, and finishes with the check down to the backfield if both are covered.
Defensive Reads
Identify whether the defense is in man or zone before the snap by checking cornerback depth on the bunch, tight press alignment usually signals man while soft cushion at five to seven yards suggests zone. Watch the free safety pre-snap, if he cheats toward the bunch side expecting the rub concept, look immediately to the backside isolated receiver for a favorable one on one. Post-snap, key the underneath linebackers and nickel defender for a lurk threat sitting in the shallow crossing lane, since that is the exact route the second read attacks. Against zone coverage this play loses some effectiveness because the natural rubs do not create the same separation, so be ready to check down quickly or throw with anticipation into soft spots rather than forcing the primary read. Watch for a blitz off the edge from the closed formation side, since Bunch alignments can invite overload pressure and the quarterback needs a quick trigger on the isolated route or check down to beat it.
Usage Tips
Check the pre-snap alignment on the bunch side, if you see press man or a single high safety rotating late, prioritize the isolated receiver on the backside since he has a favorable one on one matchup. Motion the bunch receivers if you have a hot route option to confirm man coverage by watching if a defender follows the motion man across the formation. Use this play on early downs like first and second and ten to set up explosive gains, since the rub routes can spring a receiver wide open for a big chunk play against man. Pair this with Bunch Levels or Mesh from the same set to keep the defense guessing between a rub concept and a levels concept, both attack man coverage but stress different depths. If the defense adjusts with a linebacker spy or extra underneath help on the bunch, come back with Mtn TE Corner or TE Corner to attack the same formation with a vertical shot instead.
