Playbooks
Breakdown
Bench out of Shotgun Deuce Close is a classic double bench (two receiver flat/corner combo) route concept run to both sides of the formation. Both outside receivers run flat routes while the two inside slot pieces push vertically before breaking outside on corner routes, creating a high low stretch on each flank against the flat defender and deep outside defender. The QB is the only pass protection resource shown with no visible blocking assignments for the backs or tight ends, so this is a quick-timing dropback pass that beats both man and zone coverage by stressing the sideline on two-high or single-high shells. The primary read progression starts with whichever side the defense shows more space presnap, working the corner route first against soft coverage or the underneath flat if a defender sits on top.
Defensive Reads
Presnap, check both safeties for depth and rotation since a single high safety tips man coverage or a Cover 3 buzz that squeezes the corner routes. Watch the corner alignment on both sides, soft corners playing off the line are inviting the flat route as the first read, while tight press corners signal an attempt to jump the underneath route and open up the corner behind them. Post snap, key the flat defenders (usually slot corners or overhang linebackers) since if they sink too deep the flat route is wide open for an easy pickup. User controlled defenders sitting in a deep half or lurking underneath the corner route can bait the quarterback into a costly throw, so watch for a defender staying square to read the QB rather than running with a route. This concept struggles against a two high shell with disciplined deep quarter defenders who stay on top of the corner routes and physical press corners who can disrupt the timing of the vertical stem before the break outside.
Usage Tips
Presnap, identify which safety rotates late or which corner presses to determine which side gets more grass for the corner route to work into.
Against man coverage, the corner routes are true win routes for bigger receivers with a size mismatch, so target that side first in your progression.
Against zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4, the flat routes become the quick outlet and the corner routes occupy the deep quarter defenders, so work high to low on the side with the softer cushion.
This play is best called on 2nd and medium or 3rd and short to mid distance where the quick flat option is a reliable checkdown if both corners are covered.
Pair this call with Bench Dig Curl or Bench Swap from the same set to keep the defense guessing on which combo route concept is coming while using the same presnap look.
