Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Blast is a downhill power run play out of Strong I with 21 personnel, designed to hit the interior gap with an iso blocker leading the way. The fullback leads through the hole to seal off the second level, while the offensive line down blocks to create a vertical crease for the halfback. This is a pure run play with no pass option, built to beat base fronts and light boxes by overpowering the point of attack. The primary read progression starts with the fullback lead block, then bounces off his hip according to the flow of the linebacker fill.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the box count and linebacker depth, if the defense has committed extra defenders near the line of scrimmage this run has a low ceiling. Watch for a user-controlled middle linebacker sitting in the A or B gap, since that defender can blow up the fullback lead block and kill the play before it develops. Look at safety rotation, if both safeties stay deep in a two-high shell this play has room to operate against a lighter front. Nickel and dime fronts with extra defensive backs replacing linebackers make this play a poor matchup because the interior run fit gets thinner but faster flowing defenders can close gaps quickly. Stacked fronts, run blitzes, or defenses selling out with a linebacker crashing the play side gap pre-snap are the biggest counters, since the fullback cannot account for an extra unblocked defender.
Usage Tips
Use HB Blast on early downs when the defense shows a light box with six or fewer defenders in the run fit. Pre-snap, check the middle linebacker depth and safety alignment, if the strong safety is rolled down near the box, consider audibling to a play-action shot instead. This play thrives against base 4-3 and 3-4 fronts that do not stack the box with an extra defender. Pair HB Blast with Counter Weak and HB Blunt Dive in the same set to keep defenders guessing between iso power, misdirection, and quick hitting dive concepts. Once the defense starts cheating linebackers downhill to stop HB Blast, sequence into PA Boot X Shot or SFT PA Double Cross off the same Strong I look to hit them over the top.
