Playbooks

QB Blast

Shotgun·Trey Open HB Str·11

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 4 playbooks

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Breakdown

QB Blast is a designed quarterback run out of Shotgun Trey Open HB Str, sending the QB directly through the interior gap behind a lead blocker or downhill push from the offensive line. This is not a play-action or RPO look, it is a straight gap scheme run play that leans on the QB as a legitimate ball carrier rather than a pocket passer. The primary read is the frontside gap: identify the first wave of blockers, decide whether to hit the initial crease or bounce off a lurking defender, since there is no pass progression to fall back on once you commit to the run.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing a run blitz with linebackers creeping to the line, since this immediately threatens the gap this play attacks. Check safety depth, if both safeties are sitting deep in a two high shell the box is likely light and this run has a favorable numbers advantage. Post-snap, watch for a user-controlled defender spying the quarterback, since a disciplined spy can blow this play up before the crease develops. Look for defensive tackles getting immediate penetration off the snap, if the interior line loses the first level the QB has no lane and should bail early. Against zone heavy defenses with linebackers dropping into coverage, the box thins out and this play becomes a high value called run since fewer bodies are left to fill run gaps.

Usage Tips

Use QB Blast on short yardage and third and one situations where defenses expect a conventional handoff and are keyed on the HB instead of the QB.

Check the box count before the snap, if the defense is in a light box with six or fewer defenders in the tackle box this play hits fast for positive yardage.

Pair this play with RPO Peek Hitch or RPO Alert Smoke earlier in a series so the defense respects the pass threat and stays honest, making the QB run hit harder later.

Avoid calling this against defenses stacked with extra linebackers or a run blitz look, since the lack of a lead blocker to the edge means overloaded fronts can converge quickly.

Use manual acceleration or a juke move immediately after the snap to burst through the initial crease before second level defenders can flow and fill.

Other Plays in Trey Open HB Str