Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Read Option Dummy is a zone read run play out of Shotgun Trips TE that uses a dummy mesh point with the QB and HB to hold the backside defensive end and second level linebackers before the ball is snapped into the run scheme. The offensive line executes a zone blocking scheme that flows toward the playside, sealing gaps while the read option action forces the defense to respect both the give and the keep. The primary read progression is the QB reading the unblocked edge defender first, then working through the frontside linebacker flow to determine the cutback lane for the HB.
Defensive Reads
Watch the defensive end assigned to the mesh point, if he sits and reads the QB instead of crashing down, the give read to the HB is usually the better option since the interior gaps stay clean. Key the Mike linebacker depth before the snap, a linebacker creeping toward the line of scrimmage signals a run blitz that can blow up the zone scheme unless the QB pulls and bounces outside. This play struggles against scrape exchange defenses where the defensive end sits and the linebacker scrapes over the top, since that leaves both the give and the keep covered by disciplined defenders. Man coverage shells with a single high safety tend to leave light boxes that this play exploits, especially against Cover 1 where the extra defender is locked in coverage rather than adding to the run fit. Beware of overload blitzes to the trips side, since the extra defender off the edge can beat the zone blocking scheme before the QB completes his read, so have a hot route or audible ready to counter.
Usage Tips
Check the box count before the snap and only trust the read option mesh if you have a numbers advantage in the box, ideally six or fewer defenders against your five linemen plus the puller. Look for the defensive end crashing hard down the line, since that is your cue to pull the ball and attack the edge with the QB. Use this play on early downs in the run game to set up Read Option Bubble and RPO Alert Bubble later in the drive, since the outside numbers get spread thin trying to account for the trips side receivers. Against aggressive user defensive linemen who consistently shoot upfield off the snap, mix in QB Strong Power or Inside Zone from the same formation to keep them honest on their run fits. If the defense shows a heavy box pre-snap with a Mike linebacker walked up, check to Slants or Verticals to punish the light coverage shell instead of forcing the run.
