2023 Missouri Wide Zone Insert

Part 3 of Missouri's Wide Zone system

We’ve already seen how effective Missouri is at the normal variations of Wide Zone. They do a great job scheming the play through their multiple motions and formations. Another variation they used is what I’m terming “insert”. Instead of using the tight end in the normal fashion, they have him read the blocks of the play side tackle and guard, and lead block in the hole that the Wide Zone play naturally creates.

If you missed it, here are parts 1 and 2.

2023 Missouri Offense Part 1: Wide Zone Strong

2023 Missouri Part 2: Wide Zone Weak

Shanahan 2 Back Weak

Using an insert player is nothing new to the Wide Zone. Above is Shanahan’s version out of 2 backs called weak. Alex Gibbs talked about this scheme frequently, and how often they would use the backup running back at fullback because he already knew the reads. His rules are the same as the ball carrier, but now he becomes a lead blocker, giving an Iso flare to Wide Zone.

Though similar, Missouri uses this play differently. Typically, the play is meant to be run out of 21 personnel, away from the tight end. Which is why the play is tagged weak.

The way Missouri runs it, it seems like it would be a “strong” variation since it’s being run to the tight-end side. I consider this a weak-side play because the tight end isn’t in the blocking count. The offensive line has to account for the linebackers and edge.

The tight end reads the blocks just like a running back and will insert into the play in the first available gap. The Shanahan system will account for the fullback, and the offensive line will leave the first linebacker play side out of their count for the fullback to block. Missouri doesn’t appear to be doing that, and the tight end is just an extra guy to help clean up any missed linebackers or a fast filling safety.

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