Outside Zone Slice with Mike LaFleur

Let’s take a look at some of the 2021 Jets best examples of different split flow outside zone runs.

The first example starts off as an 11 personnel 3x1 set. This version of Inside Zone Slice is part of what I term the “Base” family of split zone runs. The wide receivers lock on the most dangerous secondary players, with the offensive line locking onto the box. A PSLB-declared run.

This seems to be the preferred way to call it for the 2021 Jets.

They tag a fake End Around to slow down the back end of the defense.

The next design is basically the same play call, but with fast motion instead of the fake End Around. This gives the offensive line a chance pre-snap to adjust their targeting instead of having to change angles post-snap.

The clip shows the ball hitting the front side B gap. Using the PSWR to block the nickel gets a body on the second level of the defensive quickly.

The 2021 Jets had a few good clips of this Outside Zone Weak - Slice variation that incorporates Escort motion working away from the run direction.

The best way to call this one is to treat it as a “Push” scheme. The offensive line works to block the 2nd widest defender from the sideline, regardless of position distinction.

The BSWR will have good leverage to dig out the 8th player in the box when the defense wants to load the box. This defender (SS) will also be slower to play the run, as the motion man could force his responsibility to out of the box if the motion continues.

The BSTE will take the easiest release up to the BSLB. against the 6-technique in the diagram below, he arcs around.

The next example shows another clip of the Outside Zone Weak - Slice variety, but with an added fake End Around.

The rest of the article shows two well-designed push schemes, using different tags to handle the second level on the back side.

At the end, you will also find a nearly 15-minute cutup of all of Mike LaFleur’s variations of Outside Zone Slice from 2021.