Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA X Curl runs off play-action from I Form 21 personnel, showing a run fake to the HB before the QB sets up in the pocket. On the play side (left), the X receiver runs a curl that settles in front of underneath zone defenders, while a second receiver on that side clears out deep to the corner to hold the safety and cornerback vertically. The far side receiver runs a deep vertical route up the sideline, giving the QB a one-on-one shot if the defense rotates coverage away from that side. This is a play-action zone beater that attacks the void behind linebackers who bite on the run fake, with the primary read being the X curl underneath, progressing to the backside vertical if the defense drops into a soft zone shell.
Defensive Reads
Key the linebacker depth immediately after the snap, if they bite hard on the run fake, the underneath curl window opens up wide for an easy completion. Watch the cornerback over the X receiver, if he sits at the line in press or shows outside leverage, he is likely playing man and can be beaten by the clear-out route drawing him deep. Identify single-high versus two-high safety shells pre-snap, single-high alignments are vulnerable to the backside vertical route beating a lone deep defender. User the underneath zone defender or spy linebacker manually if you suspect the offense will target the curl route, since a disciplined user lurk can jump the route and bait a turnover. Watch for corner blitzes or edge pressure off play-action, since a fast blitz off the snap can disrupt the QB before the play-action fake fully develops, killing both route options.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like 1st or 2nd and medium when the defense is showing run-stopping personnel like a base 4-3 or 3-4, since the play-action fake is more likely to freeze linebackers.
Watch for safeties creeping into the box pre-snap, this indicates man coverage or a run blitz look, both of which open up the backside vertical route more than the curl.
If the defense shows two deep safeties pre-snap, expect a zone shell like Cover 2 or Cover 4, in which case hot route the curl into a deeper sit route to settle behind the linebacker level and in front of the safeties.
Pair this play with HB Stretch Alert X Lookie or 26 Duo earlier in a series to sell the run action harder, then call PA X Curl once the defense starts crashing linebackers downhill on run reads.
Avoid calling this on 3rd and long against aggressive man blitz teams, since the play-action fake wastes clock and delays the QB drop against a fast pass rush.
