What it is

Max protect is a pass play in which extra players, such as a running back and a tight end, stay in to block instead of running routes.

In a game

With seven or eight blockers, the quarterback has more time. Only two or three receivers run routes, usually deep ones.

More detail

Teams use it when they expect a heavy blitz or when they want a deep throw. The trade-off is that fewer receivers means fewer targets, and the defense can drop more players into coverage.

Animated diagram

1. The tight end and the running back stay in to block, instead of running routes.
2. The defense sends a blitz, but there are enough blockers for every rusher.
3. The quarterback has time to throw deep to one of the two or three receivers who ran routes.