Inside Zone Split

Pre-snap, count the box defenders and identify if the defense is in a 4-3 or 3-4 front since odd fronts with a nose tackle can clog the natural cutback lane this play relies on. Watch linebacker depth: if the Mike and Will are sitting shallow at five yards or less, they will beat blockers to the point of attack and blow this run up before the double team develops. Look for run blitzes or A gap pressure pre-snap since Inside Zone Split has no protection answer for immediate interior penetration and will result in a loss if the defense sends extra rushers into the box. This run beats light boxes and defenses that respect the pass first out of Doubles Y Off Close, especially if the defense shows two high safeties and backs off the line to defend PA concepts from this set. Cover 1 or Cover 3 with aggressive downhill safeties can be a problem if the safety reads run fast and fills the alley, so this run works best when the defense is playing off zone shells that keep second level defenders reading rather than attacking.