Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Inside Zone out of Shotgun Trey Open HB Str is a downhill zone run play with the HB aligned offset to run through the natural cutback lanes created by the zone blocking scheme up front. The offensive line steps in unison toward the play side, double teaming the initial down lineman before working to the second level linebackers, giving the HB a one cut, get vertical read. The three receivers to the trey side and the single receiver on the backside are not featured route runners here, they hold their assignments to keep the defense honest and prevent extra bodies from crashing the box. Primary read progression is playside gap first, then bounce to the cutback lane if the playside linebacker flows too hard.
Defensive Reads
Watch playside linebacker depth and flow, if he crashes hard downhill the cutback lane opens for a big gain. Identify if the defense is running a 46 or heavy box front, stacked fronts with extra defenders at the line can blow up the zone scheme before the double teams get set. Look for user controlled defenders spying the mesh point, aggressive human defenders shooting gaps can beat the zone blocks before linemen reach the second level. Cover 3 and Cover 1 shells with an extra run defender near the box are the toughest matchups for this concept since they clog both the playside gap and cutback lane. Light boxes against two high shells or nickel personnel are where this play hits hardest, especially if the defense shows blitz and rotates late leaving the middle linebacker isolated.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap, if the defense has six or more in the box against 11 personnel, consider audibling to a pass concept instead.
Identify single high versus two high safety shells, single high defenses often bring an extra run defender so be ready to bounce the run outside.
Use the HB Str alignment to your advantage, the offset back gives you a built in angle to attack the play side gap without extra motion needed.
Pair this with RPO Zone Peek or RPO Zone Alert Smoke from the same set so the defense has to respect both the run action and the quick perimeter throw off similar blocking looks.
Best called on early downs, first and ten or second and short, where defenses are less likely to sell out with dime packages or heavy blitz calls.
Mix in HB Mid Draw and Read Option from this set to keep linebackers guessing on run fits without changing personnel or formation.
