Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 11 playbooks
Breakdown
Zone Fake Jet is a play-action zone run fake out of Singleback Bunch TE that sells the jet motion and inside zone action before releasing into a deep dropback pass concept. The diagram shows the motion man crossing the formation pre-snap to simulate the jet sweep, while the deep route breaks vertically downfield off the play-action fake, with the offensive line holding zone run blocking to sell run action. This is a play-action shot play designed to punish overaggressive run defense and linebackers who bite on the fake, with the primary read progressing from the vertical shot route first before working back to any underneath outlets created by the run fake.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is stacking the box or showing run blitz looks, since those fronts are the most vulnerable to the play-action fake. Watch the safety depth before the snap, a single-high safety who creeps up in run support is a strong indicator this play can hit over the top. Post-snap, key the linebackers, if they step up hard to fill run gaps on the zone action, the vertical route behind them should be wide open. User the deep safety and stay patient on the fake, do not bite on the run action or the shot route will beat you deep every time. Against man coverage, watch for a defender staying home on the jet motion instead of following it across, that is your tell that the defense is not overcommitting and the fake will not create the same separation.
Usage Tips
Use this play after establishing Jet Sweep or PA Jet Sweep earlier in the drive so linebackers and safeties respect the jet motion and bite on run fits.
Look for run-heavy fronts or single-high safety shells pre-snap, since those defenses are more likely to crash down on the fake and open up the deep shot.
If the defense shows two-high shell or clearly stacks the box to take away the run fake, consider audibling to a quicker concept like Stick or Cross Drag instead.
Use motion to check if the defense is playing man or zone, if a defender follows the jet motion across the formation it confirms man coverage and you can trust the vertical route to win one on one.
Pair this call with Inside Zone or Inside Zone Split on early downs to condition the defense to respect run action, then dial up Zone Fake Jet on second or third and manageable to hit the big play off the fake.
