Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn Zone Wk is an inside zone run out of Singleback Y Off Trio with a jet motion tag added pre-snap to shift the defense and get a numbers advantage at the point of attack. The offensive line executes zone steps, working combo blocks to the play side and climbing to the second level linebackers while the running back reads the cutback lane based on how the defense flows. This is a run play, not a play-action or RPO, and the primary read progression is the RB pressing the play side gap first before working backside if the defense overpursues off the motion.
Defensive Reads
Watch for the linebackers flowing hard with the jet motion, if they overcommit the cutback lane will be wide open for the user. Identify one high safety shells pre-snap, since a light box with only six defenders in the run fit is the ideal look for this zone run to hit for positive yardage. Key the play side defensive end and 3-technique, if they stay disciplined and hold their gaps the zone run gets clogged and you should bail to a pass concept. User the middle linebacker or a lurking safety to sit on the cutback lane, since disciplined defenders who do not bite on motion will erase this run at the mesh point. Against stacked eight-man fronts or heavy blitz packages this play struggles, so audible out if the defense shows an obvious run blitz alignment pre-snap.
Usage Tips
Use the jet motion before the snap to bait linebackers into flowing hard toward the motion man, which opens up the backside cutback lane for the ball carrier.
Check the defensive front pre-snap, this play hits best against even fronts and light boxes with six or fewer defenders in the box.
Hot route the TE into a chip block if you are facing a heavy edge blitz look, since the extra gap protection helps sell the zone action longer.
Pair this with PA Cross Dig or PA Slide from the same set once you have run Mtn Zone Wk a few times, since the play-action versions off similar formation motion will freeze linebackers who are keying run.
Best used on early downs (first and second) to stay ahead of the chains and set up explosive shot plays like Four Verticals later in the drive.
