Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
HB Blunt Dive out of Strong I Y Off Close is a downhill interior run that sends the HB straight into the A or B gap behind the fullback lead blocker, with the TE and offensive line executing a straight-ahead blocking scheme to seal the point of attack. This is a pure run play with no route combos or play-action window dressing, designed to win with double teams up front and a lead blocker clearing the first level. The primary read progression for the ball carrier is to press the mesh point behind the FB, identify whether the play side gap is sealed, and cut off the FB's block into the nearest crease.
Defensive Reads
Pre snap, check linebacker depth, if the middle linebacker is sitting shallow at four to five yards he is reading run fits and will be quick to fill the dive lane. Watch the defensive tackles and nose alignment, a shaded nose or 3 technique that is gap sound will clog the dive lane before the FB can get his block set. Man coverage on the perimeter with no extra box defender is the ideal shell to attack since it commits fewer bodies to stopping the interior run. Post snap, key the play side linebacker's first step, if he shoots the gap immediately it usually signals a run blitz call and the dive will get hit for minimal gain. Heavy or overloaded fronts with eight in the box and safeties creeping down are the primary counter to this play, in that situation abandon the dive and attack the perimeter or throw the ball instead.
Usage Tips
Use this play on short yardage downs like 3rd or 4th and 1 to 2, or in goal line situations where a hard-nosed interior push is more valuable than horizontal space.
Check the box count before the snap, if the defense has stacked six or more defenders in the box this play becomes a low value call and you should audible to something that stretches the field horizontally.
Trust the FB lead block and stay patient, resist the urge to bounce outside since the entire design of Blunt Dive is to win between the tackles with double team blocks at the point of attack.
Pair this with HB Blast and Counter Weak in the same set to keep defenders guessing between two different downhill gap schemes, then mix in Zone Split Lead once the defense starts loading the box hard.
Against defenses that key run based on personnel or formation tendencies, call this early in a series to set up PA Boot X Shot or Mtn PA Counter later, since both plays sell the same Strong I run action.
