Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Wide Zone Read is an outside zone run out of Shotgun Trio HB Wk with 11 personnel, showing three receivers to one side and the HB aligned next to the QB for a zone read look. The offensive line flows laterally with zone blocking steps to stretch the defense horizontally, while the QB reads the mesh point and keeps or gives to the HB based on the backside defensive end's crash angle. This is a run play with zone read mechanics, designed to attack overpursuing fronts and light boxes by getting the ball to the edge before defenders can flow.
Defensive Reads
Play the backside defensive end with discipline, do not crash hard on outside zone flow or the QB will pull it and get to the edge untouched. Spill the play by having the playside defensive end squeeze the tackle's zone block instead of getting reached, forcing the run back inside to pursuit. User a linebacker to fill the alley and stay square, since overrunning the play to the sideline opens a cutback lane for the HB. Against light boxes with two high safeties, get an extra defender to crash the edge on the snap since the diagram shows no lead blocker to handle a fast flowing force player. Watch for the QB keeper on third and short, a spy or contain defender on the read side can eliminate the easy scramble gain if the offense is selling the give too often.
Usage Tips
Check the box count pre-snap and only call this against six or fewer defenders in the box since the diagram shows no extra run blockers outside the zone scheme.
Watch the backside defensive end pre-snap, if he is crashing hard down the line on every snap, keep the ball with the QB on the read for an easy edge gain.
Use this in early down and distance situations like first and ten or second and short where defenses are still respecting balanced personnel.
Pair this with RPO Alert Buck or RPO Buck Read Bubble from the same set so the defense has to respect both the zone read keep and the quick perimeter throw off similar formation and motion.
Mix in Inside Zone from this set to keep linebackers honest on downhill flow before coming back to Wide Zone Read to hit the edge once they start over pursuing inside.
