Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Fake Jet HB Seam is a play-action pass out of Shotgun Doubles Y Off that starts with jet motion across the backfield to freeze linebackers before the QB fakes the handoff. Off the fake, the outside receivers run vertical clear out routes to the sidelines while the seam receiver breaks up the middle on a deep post-corner style route, and the inside slot runs a shallow drag across the field as a checkdown option. The primary read starts with the seam route attacking the middle of the field, and if that window is closed the QB works down to the shallow crosser as the safety valve.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth and flow at the snap, since aggressive run fits toward the jet motion signal an easy passing window for the seam route. Identify single high safety looks pre-snap, as this play is designed to exploit exactly that shell by putting stress on the middle defender with the seam. Post-snap, key on any user-controlled defender sitting in a lurk spot in the intermediate middle, since that defender can undercut the seam route if the QB stares it down too long. Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with two deep safeties shut this play down quickly, since the seam has no room to work without a numbers advantage on top. If the defense shows Cover 3 with the middle linebacker dropping late, expect the seam window to close fast, so be ready to progress to the shallow crosser immediately.
Usage Tips
Use the jet motion pre-snap to bait linebackers into flowing with the run fake, which opens up the seam route against man or zone coverage that bites on the play action.
Look for single high safety shells before the snap, since the seam route is most effective when there is no immediate help over the top in the middle of the field.
If the defense shows two high safeties, be ready to hot route the seam into a quicker breaking route or check down to the shallow crosser instead of forcing the deep ball.
Pair this play with Zone Fake Jet or PA Jet Sweep earlier in a drive so defenders start respecting the jet motion as a run action, making the seam route hit even harder later.
Best used on early downs like first or second and medium when defenses are more likely to sell out on stopping the run action off the jet motion.
