---
slug: "designed-qb-run"
title: Designed QB Run
depth_tier: entry
side: OFFENSE
category: Run Game
source_id: "OFF-0101"
created: 2026-05-13
updated: 2026-05-13
canonical: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/designed-qb-run
aliases:
  - QB run
  - quarterback run
  - QB draw
  - QB sneak
  - QB power
  - called quarterback run
---
# Designed QB Run

## Short Definition

A called run play designed for the quarterback—including QB draws, QB sneaks, and QB power—distinct from scrambles and from read-option keeper decisions.

## Definition

A designed quarterback run is a called run play with the quarterback as the intended ball carrier—blocked and schemed from the outset with the QB running the ball, rather than a spontaneous scramble or a read-option keep triggered by a defensive key. The category includes the quarterback sneak, QB draw, QB power, QB counter, and various packaged runs that use the quarterback's athleticism as a primary rushing weapon.

The quarterback sneak is the most elemental designed QB run—the QB takes the snap under center and immediately surges forward with blockers helping to push him through the line. It is the most efficient short-yardage run in football statistically, succeeding at high rates on third and one and fourth and one because the snap and surge happen faster than the defense can react.

The QB draw is a designed run disguised as a pass drop—the quarterback takes a drop, the defensive linemen rush upfield expecting a pass, and then the QB pulls the ball down and runs through the vacated interior. The defense's pass rush momentum works against them: linemen who have pushed upfield cannot redirect quickly enough to make the tackle.

The QB power and QB counter apply gap scheme principles to the quarterback as the ball carrier—pulling linemen, kick-out blocks, and lead blockers designed around the QB running a specific gap rather than throwing. These concepts became central to modern NFL offense as mobile quarterbacks proliferated, turning a scheme liability (the QB as runner) into a weapon that required specific defensive accounting.

## Example

"QB sneak on fourth and one—snap, surge, four offensive linemen driving forward. The defense doesn't have time to react. That's not a scramble, that's a called play designed specifically for the quarterback to carry the ball."

## Common Confusion

A designed QB run is not a scramble. A scramble occurs when the quarterback abandons the passing play and runs because the pass pocket broke down or no receiver was open. A designed QB run is called in the huddle with the quarterback as the intended ball carrier from the start—the blocking is designed around the QB running, not around pass protection. Zone read keepers and RPO keeps are also distinct: in those plays, the QB's decision to keep is triggered by a defensive key, not predetermined.

## Related

- zone-read
- rpo
- scramble
- gap-vs-zone-scheme
- power-run
- counter
- draw-play

---
Source: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/designed-qb-run