Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Out Levels is a horizontal stretch concept built off two out routes stacked at different depths on the field side plus a deep vertical clear-out from the backside X. The backside receiver runs a seam/post to hold the safety while the flexed TE and outside receiver on the field side run staggered outs (shallow out and deep out) to create a two-level read against the sideline, and the HB releases on a check release flare route into the flat. This is a classic Cover 2 beater since the levels concept attacks the cornerback's flat zone and the deep out settles in behind the corner and in front of the safety, but it also holds up against man coverage because of the natural rub and separation created by the stacked out routes. The primary read progression starts with the deep out at the top of the levels concept, works down to the shallow out underneath, and checks down to the HB flare if both outs are covered.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flat defender on the field side pre-snap, since a corner playing off coverage or a linebacker sitting shallow signals Cover 2 or Cover 3 and opens the deep out. Key the free safety's depth after the snap, since a safety who bites on the seam route leaves the deep out wide open behind the corner. Look for a user lurk defender sitting in the throwing lane of the shallow out, since aggressive human-controlled linebackers often jump this route to bait a pick six. Diagnose blitz packages by checking if the defense brings a nano blitz off the edge, which forces the quarterback into a quick decision and favors the HB flare as a checkdown outlet. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the biggest threat to this play, since the stacked out routes lose their natural spacing advantage without a zone defender to attack.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify whether the corner on the field side is playing a hard outside shade or sitting off, since that tells you which level of the out combo will be open first.
Use this play on second and medium to second and long, or third and short, when defenses are more likely to sit in zone shells like Cover 2 or Cover 3.
Hot route the HB flare into a wheel route if you diagnose man coverage pre-snap, since it turns a checkdown into a big play against a linebacker in coverage.
Pair Out Levels with Curl Flats or Four Verticals in the same drive to keep defenders honest, since both plays start from similar formation looks but attack different zones.
If the defense shows a two high shell post-snap, prioritize the deep out over the seam route since the safety help will be shaded toward the vertical route.
