Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 12 playbooks
Breakdown
Tackle Trap is a gap scheme run out of Shotgun Doubles Y Off Nasty that pulls the backside tackle through the middle of the formation to trap the first defender inside the point of attack. The diagram shows the offensive line blocking down at the point of attack while the puller crosses the formation to kick out the initial threat, with both outside receivers running vertical routes to occupy the corners deep and remove them from the run fit. The RB takes a slight downhill angle off the mesh point, reading the trap block first before pressing the hole created by the pulling tackle.
Defensive Reads
Key the defensive tackle or nose across from the trap tackle presnap, since Tackle Trap is designed to let him crash inside so the puller can seal him. Watch for a Mike linebacker sitting square in the box: if he stays put instead of flowing with the pulling tackle, he becomes the primary tackler and shuts the play down. Identify one-high shells with corners playing off the outside receivers, since those vertical releases will not draw enough attention and the safety can rob the cutback lane. User the interior defensive lineman on the play side and force him to fight through the trap block, taking away the natural crease before the puller arrives. Watch for slanting fronts or line shifts post snap, since a defender crashing hard into the trap tackle's path can blow up the timing of the pull.
Usage Tips
Run this out of 11 personnel when the defense shows an odd front or a 3-technique that widens the interior gap the trap tackle is targeting.
Check the box count before the snap: if there are six or fewer defenders in the box, Tackle Trap has a numbers advantage and should hit quickly.
Use the vertical releases from the outside receivers as clock killers against man coverage, since they pull corners off the line and open the alley for the trap block.
Pair this play with Inside Zone and Counter Y in the same drive to keep linebackers guessing between gap schemes and zone schemes out of the same Doubles Y Off Nasty look.
Avoid calling this into heavy blitz shows where the trap defender is replaced by a looper or a delayed linebacker, since the trap tackle can whiff on a moving target.
