Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Verts HB Under is a four verticals concept out of Shotgun Bunch Offset with 11 personnel, designed to stretch the field vertically while giving a check down underneath. The bunch releases a deep vert from the outside receiver, a corner route breaking outside from the middle bunch receiver, and a deep post from the inside bunch receiver, while the backside receiver runs a lone vertical up the sideline. The HB releases underneath as a shallow crosser from the backfield for a built in outlet against pressure. This is a classic Cover 2 and Cover 3 beater since the four vertical stems overload deep zone defenders and stack the middle of the field, with the HB under route serving as the primary check down against zone drops or a blitz. Primary read progression starts backside iso vert against single high safety help, then works to the post if the middle safety flows outside, then bunch corner route against Cover 2 flat defenders, with the HB under as the final safety valve.
Defensive Reads
Read the safety alignment before the snap: two deep safeties indicates Cover 2 or Cover 4, which means the corner route from the bunch and the deep post become priority throws in the seams. A single high safety indicates Cover 1 or Cover 3, which favors the backside iso vert or the deep post attacking the middle of the field. Watch the flat defender at the snap since Cover 2 corners will sink into the flat, opening the corner route behind them. Key the middle linebacker or robber defender for any lurk threat sitting in the shallow crossing lane, since this can jump the HB under route if the quarterback stares it down too long. If the defense shows a nano blitz or overload pressure off the edge, get the ball out quickly to the HB under route since the deep routes will not have time to develop. This play is shut down by disciplined Cover 4 quarters coverage with safeties who stay deep and match verticals, along with linebackers who wall off the shallow crosser.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is showing two deep safeties or one high shell before the snap since this determines your first read on the backside vertical or the deep post. Against Cover 2, target the corner route breaking outside from the bunch since it sits in the seam between the flat defender and the deep half safety. Against Cover 3, work the deep post or backside vert since the single high safety cannot cover the entire width of the field. Use the HB under route as your check down against any disguised blitz or when the pocket collapses quickly, since it releases underneath for a quick outlet throw. Pair this play with Curl Flat or Z Spot in the same set to keep defenses honest on shorter routes, then come back to Verts HB Under once the defense starts sitting on underneath zones. Best called on second or third and medium to long when you need explosive yardage and the defense is more likely to play zone shells to prevent big plays.
