Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
QB Sweep out of Shotgun Bunch X Nasty is a designed QB run play that pulls the quarterback outside the tackle box behind a lead blocker while the bunch receivers to the trips side release upfield to occupy or seal defenders in coverage. The diagram shows the QB taking the snap and immediately sweeping laterally with a blocker in front, while the three bunch receivers push vertically to clear out cornerbacks and force conflict for flat defenders and force players. This is a run play designed to beat aggressive man coverage and light boxes, with the primary read being the edge: get width, read the force defender or edge setter, and decide whether to bounce outside or cut upfield based on leverage.
Defensive Reads
Key the play side outside linebacker or slot corner pre-snap, if he is walked up tight to the line expect a fast edge scrape that can blow this play up. Watch for defenses spinning a safety down into the box post-snap, this indicates run support help that can beat the sweep before it turns the corner. Man coverage with a blitz off the edge is the biggest counter to this play since it removes the lead blocker advantage and gets a free hitter on the QB. Zone coverage with a hard flat defender squatting on the bunch side can read the sweep quickly and force the QB back inside into pursuit. If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 4 with safeties deep and no extra run fits, the sweep has a numbers advantage and should hit the edge cleanly.
Usage Tips
Check the pre-snap box count and attack this play when the defense shows six or fewer defenders in the box since the extra gap creates a natural crease for the QB.
Look at the alignment of the force defender (usually the corner or outside linebacker to the play side) before the snap, if he is playing off or shaded inside you have a green light to sweep for explosive yardage.
Use your route adjustments to send the bunch receivers on quick releases if you see press man, this occupies the corners and prevents a fast scrape from the edge.
Mix this in on early downs after running Inside Zone or Counter Y from the same set so the defense has to respect multiple run gaps out of the same bunch alignment.
Save this for third and short or goal line situations where the defense is likely to load the box for a traditional handoff, since the QB sweep hits the edge before the defense can adjust.
