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Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Mtn QB G Down is a QB run play out of the Shotgun Wing formation with 12 personnel, built off a G Down blocking scheme where the backside guard pulls to lead through the hole while the play side seals the edge. The diagram shows a receiver motioning across the formation pre-snap, with one receiver running a shallow crosser underneath while the rest of the line and TEs execute down blocks and kick out assignments to spring the QB on a designated run lane. This is a run play, not a pass concept, with the primary read being the QB reading the pulling guard and picking his lane based on the flow of the defensive line and second level fill from linebackers.
Defensive Reads
Watch for linebackers crashing hard downhill immediately at the snap, which signals a run blitz that can be exploited if the QB reads the pulling guard correctly and bounces outside. If the defense sends an extra defender to spy the QB or stays home in the box without over pursuing, this play will struggle to find room since the lead blocker gets outnumbered. Check safety depth pre-snap, if both safeties are deep in a two high shell the box is likely lighter and this run has a better chance to break through. Look for defenders keying on the pre-snap motion, if a defender follows the motion man that confirms man coverage and usually means fewer bodies in the box to stop the run. A stacked front with linebackers reading the pulling guard and filling gaps quickly can shut this play down, so avoid calling it into heavy run blitz personnel like a 46 look or dime run blitz packages.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is running man or zone coverage based on whether a defender follows the motion man across the formation.
This play works best on early downs or short yardage situations like 3rd and 2 or goal line packages where a physical downhill run scheme can pick up positive yardage.
Take what the pulling guard gives you, do not try to force the run outside if the linebacker fills the gap fast, cut it back behind the puller instead.
Pair this play with Read Option or Speed Option from the same set to keep the defense guessing between designated QB runs and true option reads.
If the defense shows a heavy box pre-snap with 8 or more defenders near the line, consider audibling to Inside Zone or Stick to attack the numbers advantage elsewhere.
