Playbooks

QB Zone

Shotgun·Empty Ace·12

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 2 playbooks

Jets OffenseOffenseNFL Live Jets OffenseOffense

Breakdown

QB Zone out of Shotgun Empty Ace is a designated quarterback zone run play built off a 12 personnel Empty Ace look, meaning there is no running back in the backfield to sell run action, which forces the defense to declare its front and coverage shell before the snap. The offensive line executes zone blocking steps, working double teams at the point of attack and climbing to the second level while the QB reads the natural cutback lanes created by defenders flowing with their zone steps. Since there is no play action or pass concept attached, this is a pure gap discipline run test against the defense's front seven, with the primary read progressing from the play side double team to the backside cutback lane if the front flows too hard.

Defensive Reads

Watch linebacker depth at the snap, since shallow linebackers who crash hard toward the play side zone flow are exposing a backside cutback lane for the QB to exploit. Check safety alignment before the snap, because a two high shell with safeties sitting deep signals a lighter box and confirms this run has room to operate against base or nickel fronts. Identify edge defender leverage post-snap, since defensive ends who squeeze too far inside on their zone read create an outside bounce lane, while ends who stay wide open up the designed inside crease. Recognize run blitz packages pre-snap, since Empty formations with no back can tip off aggressive defensive coordinators to send extra rushers, and this play has no protection answer for a well timed A gap blitz. Look for user controlled defenders spying the mesh point, since a smart defender sitting in the backside gap can blow up the cutback read that this zone scheme relies on against overpursuing defenses.

Usage Tips

Call this on early downs or in short yardage when the defense shows a lighter box, since Empty Ace formations often bait defenders into nickel or dime personnel with fewer true run defenders on the field.

Use the pre-snap alignment to confirm the defense has not shifted extra help into the box, because Empty sets frequently draw two high safety shells that leave only five or six in the box for you to attack.

Pair this play with Jet QB Zone and Jet QB Counter in your play calling sequence so the defense cannot key on jet motion versus straight QB zone, keeping second level defenders honest and slowing their run fits.

Take what the zone blocking gives you rather than forcing a predetermined lane, since the O line's double teams and climbs will create a natural bend point that shifts based on how linebackers and edge defenders flow.

Avoid calling this into stacked box looks or when the defense shows an obvious run blitz with linebackers crashing downhill pre-snap, since Empty Ace removes any lead blocker or check release protection.

Other Plays in Empty Ace