Gun Inside vs 52

Coach-

I think it is difficult to run this play against a true 50 out of 4-wide. If the DE/OLB is a lineman, then you should shred their pass coverage if you can protect.

If you are going to run the Izone, then I think you are best to do it as a lead play, or with a TE. Your biggest problem is that you now have 2 defenders outside each OT. You can handle them different ways, but that's the root of your problem.

If you are going to run it as lead out of 2-back, then block the 5 interior defenders with your OLine (just base), and block the playside force player (DE/OLB) with the near running back. Have the backside OT almost hinge on the 5-tech and read the OLB to that side. Should be a give 90% of the time. If you try to get the OT off inside to the ILB, then you will dramatically shorten the edge for the 5-tech.

With a TE, you can accomplish a couple things. You may dictate some type of slide in the front. If they want to try and stay 2-high, then you will almost certainly get this. If they try to stay base, then you will have a strong running edge for downhill power plays (QB power, lead/speed option, etc.). If they do slide, you have lengthened the edge on the TE side, and you more than likely have better angles to run the Izone to the weakside of the formation.