Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Curls is a three-level pass concept out of I Form H Pro with 21 personnel on the field. The backside X runs a deep go route to clear out the cornerback and hold the safety, the outside receiver to the strong side runs a vertical seam that breaks into a curl at intermediate depth, and the flanker releases outside then curls back near the sideline for the shorter option. Underneath, a back or tight end runs a short drag across the middle from the strong side flat to give the quarterback a checkdown, giving this play a clear high to low read from the curl to the drag.
Defensive Reads
Identify if the defense is showing zone or man pre-snap by checking linebacker depth, if they are stacked tight to the line expect man coverage and a blitz threat off the edge. Watch for a user controlled defender sitting in the flat or shallow zone, this is the biggest threat to the drag route and can bait a bad throw. Curls beats zone coverages that leave soft spots at the sticks, especially Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells where the underneath defenders cannot cover both curl routes at once. Man coverage with a deep half safety over the top can shut down the curl routes if the cornerback sits on the break, so be ready to check down early to the drag. Look for linebacker blitzes off the edge since the drag route crosses the field quickly and can be an outlet if the pocket collapses before the curls develop.
Usage Tips
Check the safety alignment pre-snap, if you see two high safeties the deep go route on the backside is mainly a clear-out so keep your focus on the curls and drag underneath.
Against single high looks, put eyes on the strong side curl route first since it will sit down in the void between the linebackers and the deep third defender.
Hot route the drag into a quicker option or bump its depth if you are facing a Cover 2 shell with underneath linebackers sitting in the passing lanes.
Use this play on second and medium to second and long, it gives you a built in checkdown on the drag while still threatening the sideline with both curls.
Pair Curls with HB Slam or HB Stretch out of the same I Form H Pro set to keep defenses honest against the run before coming back to this concept for a play action feel without an actual play fake.
