Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Corner Go's Flat is a five man route concept out of Shotgun Deuce Close 12 personnel that stresses both sideline vertically while clearing underneath space with a flat route. Both outside receivers run Go routes up the numbers, the slot receivers on each side run Corner routes breaking toward the sideline, and the running back releases to the flat, creating a flood look to either side of the formation. This is primarily a man beater, using the Go routes to open up one on one leverage against off man corners while the Corner and Flat combo on either side creates high low conflict for a flat defender or curl to flat zone player. Primary read progression is the two Corner routes first since they attack the intermediate seam and create the highest percentage throw, then work down to the flat route against zone coverage or if a blitz forces a quick decision.
Defensive Reads
Identify single high safety shells like Cover 3 or Cover 1 pre-snap, since these leave the Go routes on islands against man or trail coverage and this play punishes that alignment. Watch cornerback depth at the snap, off coverage corners bail into a backpedal that opens throwing lanes for the Corner routes sitting behind them. Key the flat defender or curl to flat zone player after the snap, if they widen with the running back it opens a throwing window for the Corner route behind them. Against Cover 2 or two high shells, the Go routes are less effective since safeties can rob the deep sideline, so shift focus to the Corner routes attacking the seam between the corner and safety. Watch for user controlled defenders sitting in the flat or lurking underneath the Corner routes, since a smart human defender can jump the shorter routes and bait a quarterback into a turnover if the quick read is telegraphed.
Usage Tips
Use this play on second or third and long when you need a chunk play, since the Go routes stretch the field and the Corners sit in soft spots against zone.
Check the safety alignment before the snap: if you see two high safeties, favor the Corner route away from the deep half help, since Go routes into single high shells get taken away quickly.
Hot route the running back to a check release if you are facing a heavy blitz look, this keeps a blocker in to protect against nano blitzes and A gap pressure up the middle.
Pair this play with Mtn Stick or RPO Read Mtn Stick earlier in a drive to condition the defense to expect quick game, then hit them with the Corner Go's Flat shot play once they sit on short routes.
Against man coverage, use the Go routes as your first read if you see a cornerback playing press with no safety help over the top, since a well timed throw wins immediately down the sideline.
