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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
Read Option out of Shotgun Bunch is a true zone read run play that puts the QB in position to make a give or keep decision based on the backside defensive end. The bunch alignment to one side pulls second level defenders out of the box or occupies the flat defender, opening a natural running lane for the QB on the keep read. This is a run play, not a pass concept, so the primary progression is entirely mesh point based: the QB reads the unblocked edge defender's first step, gives to the HB on dive if that defender crashes inside, or pulls it and attacks the perimeter if that defender sits or widens.
Defensive Reads
Watch the backside defensive end pre-snap and post-snap since his first movement dictates the entire play, a hard crash means keep, a sit or widen means give. Check for man coverage on the bunch receivers, if defenders are tight and physical in man they are more likely committed to coverage and cannot help in run support, favoring the QB keep lane. Look for a spy or extra hook defender sitting inside the box, this is the clearest sign the defense is playing the read honestly and daring you to give it up every snap. Identify overload blitzes from the bunch side, since a nano blitz or edge pressure package can collapse the mesh point before the QB can make a clean decision. Zone coverages with linebackers reading run keys first will often flow hard to the play side, so counter with the backside cutback lane if the defensive tackle gets pushed.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and only call this into light boxes of six or fewer defenders since the bunch formation removes a blocker from the count.
Identify whether the defense is playing a true zone read discipline or if the end is sitting to contain the QB, since disciplined ends will force you to give every time.
Use the bunch receivers to occupy underneath defenders and widen the alley for the QB keep read against man coverage or blitz-heavy fronts.
Pair this with Inside Zone and HB Sweep from the same set so defenders cannot key on the bunch look and jump the read.
Best used on early downs (first and second) in normal or run heavy personnel counts, and avoid calling it into obvious pass rush downs where speed rushers can crash the mesh point.
Mix in PA Cheat Divide Wheels or PA Divide Wheels afterward off the same formation to punish linebackers who start cheating downhill after seeing Read Option on tape.
