Zone play versus a 4-1 front?

I'd have to look up my notes on the UNLV/Utah clinic tapes (not at home right now)... BUT...

I think I remember that against 5 in the box they were making that an automatic give - but I do not think they were blocking that backside DE. My guess is that you could still control him with the 'threat' of the QB keep - just as the naked boot on an Ins Zone under C helps keep him honest as well. This would also gain you an extra blocker that the POA... might be able to come off on a force player with an OL.

6 in the box was a read on the Backside C-Gap defender (notice it is NOT the DE - allows you to deal with stunts, etc).

7 in the box was a check to the option or a pass.

Hope this helps - although I do not see anything wrong with still reading that backside DE (or C-Gap player).