Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Verticals out of Shotgun Bunch Wide Nasty sends four receivers vertically to stretch the field and attack every deep zone landmark at once. The backside X runs a straight fade up the sideline while the bunch releases with the tight end bending a deep post over the middle, the outside bunch receiver sprinting a seam vertical, and the flanker working an out and up to the corner. The lone running back stays in to check block off the snap, confirming this is a pure dropback pass designed as a Cover 2 and Cover 3 beater. Primary read progression starts with the deep post from the bunch since it splits the safeties, then works to the seam route against Cover 3 rotation, and finally to the backside fade if the corner opens late.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and spacing since a single high safety signals Cover 3 and two deep safeties signal Cover 2 or Cover 4. Post-snap, watch for the free safety flowing to the seam route since that opens the deep post behind him. Watch cornerback leverage on the outside since press coverage on the backside X can bait a fade throw into tight coverage. Identify user-controlled lurk defenders sitting in the deep middle since they can jump the post route if the quarterback stares it down too long. Look for blitz packages that send extra rushers since the lone check-releasing running back leaves the quarterback exposed on delayed pressure.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify two-high versus one-high safety alignment because that dictates which vertical route wins.
Against Cover 2, target the deep post from the bunch since it splits the safeties before they can rotate over the top.
Against Cover 3, key the seam route coming out of the bunch since it attacks the deep middle third before the free safety can get over.
Use hot routes to convert the running back into an extra blocker or check him down late if the pocket collapses on a delayed blitz.
Pair this with HB Slip Screen or HB Angle Screen out of the same set to punish defenses selling out on the deep verticals with an aggressive pass rush.
