Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn Read Option is a run play out of Shotgun Bunch TE that gives the QB a true zone read look with the HB running the mesh point exchange right at the mesh. The offensive line blocks down for inside zone while the QB reads the crashing defensive end to decide between handing off on the give path or pulling it and attacking the edge himself. This is a run-first design meant to punish overaggressive edge defenders and gap-shooting fronts, with the primary read progression being the backside DE first, then the alley defender if the QB keeps it outside.
Defensive Reads
Watch the defensive end or edge player pre-snap, if he is sitting wide and squared to string out the run rather than crashing hard, the QB should plan to pull and keep more often. Look for linebacker depth, if the linebackers are stacked tight to the line in a run blitz alignment, the mesh point exchange can get blown up quickly so consider audibling to a pass concept. Post-snap, key any user-controlled defender flying downhill off the edge, since that is exactly the defender this read option is designed to freeze and then attack outside of once he commits. Bunch alignments often draw man coverage rotation, so if you see the defense shift a safety down into the box pre-snap to match the bunch, that is a strong indicator they are selling out to stop the run and the QB should lean toward keeping it. This concept struggles against disciplined scrape exchange defense where the DE stays home and a linebacker replaces him on the edge, so if you see that assignment consistently, move to a different run or RPO look in the Bunch TE set.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to bait the defensive end into declaring his run fit before the snap so your read is easier to make. Check the box count before the snap, if the defense has six or more in the box you likely want to bounce this to a different play in the Bunch TE set like Mtn Fork Y-Corner or Mtn Snag Under to attack space through the air instead. Hot route the bunch receivers into quick option routes if you see man coverage rolled down into the box, since that opens easy pitch and catch access if the read tells you to throw instead of run. This play hits best on early downs, especially 1st and 10 or 2nd and short, when defenses are more likely to sit in base run fits rather than sub in extra DBs. Pair this with Mtn PA Cross Switch or Mtn TE Corner from the same set so the defense has to respect both the run action and the play action shot off similar formation and motion.
