Flexbone Half-Roll Passing Game Protection

Half roll protection is when the backfield action mimics the Sprint Out series, but the Offensive Line blocks similar to regular play action protection. The PSG and PST are aggressive in their protection. We try to have them attack the DL if they are covered. They need to form a wall frontside, because the QB will be setting up behind the PST. The BSG and BST “swing the gate” a bit on the backside to sift out threats better and wall defenders from the QB.

Rules:
PST – Base/Down
PSG – Base/Down
C – You/Me Scan (Nose/Shade to BSLB)
BSG – You/Me Scan (Nose/Shade to BSLB)
BST – Base 4i out/possible White call
B-Back back – Blocks first unblocked man outside the PST
QB – Takes his same steps for Sprint Out, but pulls up around PST.

Now you can release four receivers because you don’t have to keep the PS Slotback in to block C-Gap like you do in Sprint Out protection

Weaknesses:
You are susceptible them sending four weak blitz off of the backside vs an even front, but you are half-rolling away from the pressure.
You are also not protected vs three play-side rushers outside the PST. Hopefully the QB sees this and gets us out of it, or gets rid of the ball quickly.

Keys:
PST & PSG have to be able to handle their BASE blocks and not allow any free runs at the QB.
Your C, BSG and BST need to really communicate and scan for threats backside (White calls, fan calls,).