Attacking the Odd Front with the Wide Zone

Exploring how NFL and College teams exploit odd fronts with the Wide Zone.

We now begin Part 3 of the Wide Zone Series. If you’ve missed the first 2 you can find them here:

Foundations of the Wide Zone

Attacking the Over Front

The Wide Zone is great for under/even fronts, but let’s be honest, so are most schemes.  Attacking the odd is where the wide zone thrives. 

Odd Front Base Rules

When attacking the even, keeping the tight end with an angle on the inside linebacker was important.  In the odd, you can single the tight end on him because the outside linebacker turns into the second defender play side.  The tackle and guard will double the defensive end to the play side backer.  The “Mike” now becomes the backside backer.  The center and backside guard will combo the nose to the backside backer.  The backside tackle has no one to climb to.  He will execute the sift technique, looking for anyone folding into the box.  

Wide Zone Strong

Commanders 18 Box

When facing the odd, the running back can quickly get their read. In a 2x2 set here, the 9 technique outside linebacker is the force player. With his wide technique tight end is unlikely to reach him.

The back gets his eyes to the 4 technique who stretches and is playing the C gap. The left guard executes a knockout block. Instead of trying to reach the nose, he knocks him play side, allowing the center to continue to drive him horizontally. This creates the seam for the running back.

Ravens 18 Box

The Ravens double-team the outside linebacker and leave the 4I 1 on 1 with the guard. Most teams like to double the 4I, to try and hit the play in the C gap.

The center displaces the nose, and both guards get to the backers, creating a nice seam for the running back.