The Art of the Bluff

Inside Todd Monken's Quarterback Run Game

One of the more underrated layers of Todd Monken’s Ravens offense is how he builds quarterback runs off of traditional concepts.

Baltimore can hit you with many run schemes, but the Bluff scheme adds another wrinkle that puts even more stress on the edge defender.

In addition, it fits perfectly with Lamar Jackson’s skill set.

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What is Bluff?

At its core, Bluff is a read-based variation of Split Zone.

In a typical Split Zone play, the H-back or fullback comes across the formation to kick out the defensive end, helping seal the backside and allowing the running back to cut north and south.

But in Bluff, that kick-out never happens.

Instead, the edge defender is unblocked for the quarterback to read.

The H-back still comes across the formation, but instead of delivering the kick-out, he wraps around the edge and climbs to the second level, becoming a lead blocker.

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Monken has taken the Bluff concept beyond just zone runs. While most teams might use it as a wrinkle off inside or split zone, Baltimore has expanded it into a full-on quarterback run tool.

You’ll see them pair Bluff with Counter, Pin and Pull, and Dart.

Always with the same key idea: leave a defender unblocked and let Lamar read him while giving him a lead blocker.

That versatility stresses defenses the full width of the field and allows Monken to tag Bluff onto a wide range of concepts.

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Zone Bluff

Here’s a textbook example of Zone Bluff from the Ravens. The offensive line is blocking inside zone to the right, and the H-back comes across the formation like he’s going to kick out the end, but instead of making contact, he wraps around the edge and leads upfield.

The key here is the read. The defensive end squeezes hard down the line, trying to chase the running back, so Lamar keeps it. Now he’s got a numbers advantage with the H-back leading on the safety.

It’s a simple read, but the result is a big gain.

Keep reading to see how Todd Monken builds on this foundation with Zone Double Bluff, Counter GT Bluff, Pin & Pull reads, and even a Dart variation. The same core concepts with new looks. Plus 5 minutes of All-22 and End Zone Clips.