Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Curls is a play-action pass out of Shotgun Spread Y-Flex 11 personnel that shows a run fake to the backfield before the QB works through a curl heavy route combo. The outside receiver runs a deep vertical/comeback style route up the numbers, the slot receiver breaks off a curl at intermediate depth, and a third receiver runs a drag across the formation underneath while the two receivers on the backside run vertical releases (one deep go, one hitch/curl) to hold the corners. The offensive line sells the run action, and the primary read progression starts with the deep outside route to see if the play fake bites the safety, then works down to the intermediate curl, and finally to the underneath drag as the checkdown against pressure.
Defensive Reads
Watch the linebackers at the snap. If they step up hard on the run fake, the curl and drag routes will come open in the vacated middle zone. Identify the safety alignment pre-snap. A single high safety who bites on the play fake leaves the deep outside route open for a big gain. Against Cover 3 or Cover 4 zone shells, the curl route sits in the natural seam between the underneath defenders and deep zone defenders, making it the primary target. Against man coverage, look for a user controlled defender lurking in the shallow drag lane since that route can get jumped if the defense expects play action. Disguised blitzes that bring extra rushers off the edge can beat the play action fake before routes develop, so check protection numbers and be ready to check down to the drag route quickly.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs when the defense is stacking the box or showing run blitz looks, since the play action freezes linebackers and opens the intermediate window.
Check the safety depth before the snap. If you see a single high safety cheating up to respect the run, take the shot on the deep outside route first.
If the defense shows two deep safeties or a clear zone shell, work the curl route in the intermediate zone since it sits in the soft spot between the underneath zone defenders and the deep half safeties.
Hot route the backside vertical into a quick hitch or slant if you see man coverage with no help over the top, giving you a fast throw option against blitz.
Pair this play with Inside Zone or HB Draw earlier in a series so the defense respects the run fake, then dial up PA Curls to punish linebackers who bite on the play action.
