HB Off Tackle

Pre-snap, count defenders in the box and check if the defense has shifted toward the trips side, which can weaken the off tackle run fit on the backside. Look for linebackers creeping up to the line of scrimmage, which signals a run blitz that can beat this play if not accounted for with the right protection or blocking assignment. Post-snap, key the edge defender and outside linebacker to see if they are getting sealed or if they are penetrating and forcing the HB to bounce outside. Watch for user-controlled defenders spying the HB or flowing hard to the play side gap, since a good user player can blow this play up if the blocking is slow to develop. This play struggles against gap-sound fronts and disciplined edge defenders who stay square, but it can gash light boxes and defenses that overcommit to pass coverage from Trips looks.