Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
QB Draw out of Empty Bunch Open shows five eligible receivers releasing vertically to hold the defense in coverage while the offensive line sells pass protection before opening running lanes for a designed quarterback run. With no running back in the backfield, the diagram shows the four receivers on the bunch side and boundary side all pushing straight upfield as decoys, forcing linebackers and safeties to respect the pass before the QB hits the draw. This is a designed QB run play, not a pass or RPO, and the primary read is the frontside gap created by the delayed line surge, keying on the interior linebackers' first step to decide whether to hit it inside or bounce it outside.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defenders lined up with heavy outside leverage on the bunch, since that often signals man coverage that will bite on the vertical releases and vacate the middle for the draw. Key the middle linebacker depth at the snap, if he sits back in a deep zone drop the draw lane stays open longer. This play struggles against disciplined zone defenses with linebackers who stay square and read the QB's helmet instead of the receivers. Blitz packages that send extra rushers up the middle can actually get sealed easily since blockers can redirect them, but edge blitzes off the corner can chase down the QB before he turns the corner. Look for user-controlled defenders spying the quarterback pre-snap, since a spy negates the draw's effectiveness and forces you into a different play call.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or in obvious passing situations like 2nd and long to catch aggressive pass rush defenses off guard.
Check pre-snap for stacked boxes or blitz packages, since defenders crashing upfield create bigger cutback lanes for the draw.
Pair this play with Cheat Slot Cross or Choice Shallow Cross from the same set so the empty formation look stays consistent and defenses cannot key run versus pass based on personnel.
Avoid using this against teams sitting in zone coverage with linebackers reading the QB's eyes, since disciplined zone defenders will diagnose the draw quickly and squeeze the running lane.
Use manual motion or a jet motion pre-snap look if available in your set to further disguise the run intention and freeze second level defenders.
