Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Drive out of Strong I Close Flex is a classic man and Cover 4 beater built on horizontal crossing routes underneath two vertical clears. Both outside receivers push straight upfield to occupy the deep defenders while the two inside options run the drive concept: one receiver crosses shallow underneath from the backside and the other runs a dig that settles in the middle of the field, with the HB releasing out of the backfield on a swing or wheel route to the flat as a checkdown and leverage beater. The primary read starts with the shallow crosser to see how the defense reacts to the underneath traffic, then works to the dig sitting down in the hole, and finishes with the HB in the flat if the underneath defenders squeeze the crossers.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify two high safeties since this indicates Cover 4 or Cover 2, both of which the two vertical clears from the outside receivers are designed to stress. Watch the Mike linebacker depth at the snap, a shallow drop signals zone underneath and you should sit the dig route right behind him for the throw. If the cornerbacks are pressed at the line with no safety help over the top, expect man coverage and rely on the shallow crosser's natural rub to create separation. Post-snap, look for a user-controlled defender sitting in the middle hook zone, this is the biggest threat to the dig route and should push your eyes to the HB flat route instead. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge get exposed by the HB release since the flat route gives the quarterback a fast outlet against pressure.
Usage Tips
Use Drive on second and medium to long third down when you need a chain mover through the middle of the field against zone shells.
Pre-snap, look for Cover 4 or Cover 2 shells since the two verticals from the outside receivers occupy the deep safeties and open up the crossing routes underneath.
If you diagnose man coverage, hot route the shallow crosser into a speed out or the dig into a slant to create quicker separation against man beaters.
Pair Drive with PA Boot Slide or PA Sprint HB Flat in the same set to keep linebackers honest on run fits before hitting them with the crossing traffic.
Use the HB release to the flat as your answer versus Cover 3 buzz or Tampa 2 since the underneath defenders will be occupied by the deeper crossers.
