Playbooks

Duo Slot Open

Shotgun·Duo Slot Open·20
DuoRun PlayPower Run

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 4 playbooks

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Breakdown

Duo Slot Open is a Power Run play out of Shotgun 20 personnel that uses a Duo blocking scheme, meaning the offensive line double teams at the point of attack and climbs to the second level to seal off linebackers. This is a downhill run play designed to create vertical seams rather than lateral stretch, letting the HB read the double teams and pick a lane based on linebacker flow. The primary read progression starts with the play side double team, then works to the backside linebacker fill, and finally the HB decides between a bang, bounce, or bend track depending on how fast the linebackers commit.

Defensive Reads

Identify the Mike linebacker depth before the snap, if he is stacked tight behind the double team he is reading run fast and can blow up the Duo climb. Watch for a single high safety shell, since Duo Slot Open thrives against one high looks that leave light boxes and slower linebacker rotation. Check for two deep safeties rotating down into the box post-snap, this cover 2 or cover 4 run fit can clog the interior gaps and force a negative play. Key the backside defensive end, if he stays home instead of chasing the play the cutback lane the HB wants may be shut down. Look for user-controlled linebackers sitting in the A or B gap pre-snap, this signals a manual blitz or run blitz that can beat the Duo double teams before they get displaced.

Usage Tips

Use this play on early downs like first and ten or second and short when you need positive yardage without exposing yourself to a pass rush read.

Check the box count before the snap, if you see six or fewer defenders in the box this play has a numbers advantage that favors the Duo scheme.

Motion the slot receiver to check for man versus zone coverage, if the defender follows you know you are facing man and linebackers may be more susceptible to misdirection.

Pair Duo Slot Open with RPO Alert Bubble or RPO Alert Hitches from the same set so defenses cannot sit on the run without giving up an easy completion to the slot.

Avoid calling this against heavy blitz looks with safeties crashing down pre-snap, since Duo needs time for the double teams to climb and get displaced quickly by extra rushers.

Sequence this run early in a series, then come back to PA Rollout or PA Slot Post later to punish linebackers who start cheating up on run fits.

Other Plays in Duo Slot Open