Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Curl Flat out of Close Flex Near (21 personnel) shows a three level stretch to the closed side with the backfield underneath. The far X runs a deep crossing route to the opposite boundary, the TE runs a curl route settling in the intermediate zone, and the flat defender (No. 1 receiver) releases outside underneath the curl for the flat route, while the FB stays in to help protect. This is a classic zone beater that attacks the flat to curl window used against Cover 2 and Cover 3 shells, with the primary read progression going flat route first to hold underneath defenders, then curl route as the window opens behind them, with the deep crosser as a shot play checkdown if the defense sells out on the shorter routes.
Defensive Reads
Presnap check safety depth, since a single high safety cheating toward the curl side signals Cover 3 and tells you the flat route will be your first read against the underneath defender. Watch the flat defender at the snap, if he sinks too deep into the curl window the flat route is wide open for an easy pitch and catch. Key the curl to flat linebacker or nickel defender's drop, if he sits flat footed in the passing lane the curl route will be contested and you should reset to the flat. Beware Cover 4 or Cover 6 shells with two deep safeties over the top, since sinking corners can jump the flat route and a lurking linebacker can undercut the curl. Man coverage with an overhang blitzer off the edge is the biggest threat, since it collapses the flat throw quickly, so identify blitz packages presnap and be ready to check into a quicker hot route or throw underneath before pressure arrives.
Usage Tips
Presnap identify if the corner to the curl flat side is playing off or hard outside leverage, since off coverage invites the curl to sit in the honey hole behind the flat defender.
Use the flat route as a rhythm throw against Cover 2 to bait the cornerback before working back to the curl if the safety rotates late.
Hot route the deep crosser into a dig or drag if you see man coverage across the board, since the natural pick from traffic near the line can spring separation against man beaters.
Pair this call with Mtn Stick or Post Drag from the same Close Flex Near set to keep the defense guessing between quick curl flat combos and vertical stick concepts.
Best used on second and medium or third and short where the flat and curl windows are enough to move the sticks without forcing a deep shot.
