Playbooks

PA All Curl

Shotgun·Spread Y-Slot·11

Quick Reference

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In 2 playbooks

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Breakdown

PA All Curl is a play-action passing concept out of Shotgun Spread Y-Slot that sends all eligible receivers into curl routes at staggered depths to create natural zone spacing while the play fake momentarily freezes linebackers. The offensive line executes a run blocking fake to sell the handoff, giving the quarterback a cleaner pocket against aggressive run fits before he climbs the progression from the shorter curl to the deeper breaking curl on the opposite side. This is primarily a zone beater, since the curl routes settle into soft spots between the underneath linebacker level and the deep safety shell, punishing Cover 3 and Cover 2 defenders who bite on the run fake.

Defensive Reads

Read the middle linebacker depth pre-snap, since a shallow alignment signals run support that plays directly into the play-action fake. Check the safety shell before the snap, because a two high shell with soft corners tells you the curls will have room to sit in the honey hole, while a single high shell means you need to work away from the deep defender rotating over the top. After the snap, watch the flat defender and hook or curl defender in Cover 3, since they cannot cover both levels of the curl concept if the linebackers step up on the run fake. Identify user controlled defenders sitting in the shallow zone or lurking at the sticks, since a smart user will jump the underneath curl and force you to the deeper breaking route. Avoid this play against heavy man blitz packages or Cover 0, since the curl routes need time to sit down and a fast pressure package will collapse the pocket before receivers reach their breakpoints.

Usage Tips

Use this on early downs, ideally first or second and medium, when the defense is showing run support with linebackers creeping toward the line of scrimmage. Bait Cover 3 shells by selling the play fake with a slight pump before working the curl to the field side, since the flat defender and hook defender have to choose between the two levels. Hot route the backside curl into a flat route against man coverage if you see a corner playing tight press, since curls sit and die against off man defenders who can undercut the break. Pair this play with 45 Quick Base or Curls earlier in a drive to condition linebackers to sit on shallow routes, then hit PA All Curl once you see them creeping up for run support. Combine it with HB Draw or Inside Zone from the same personnel to keep the defense honest, since the play fake only sells if you have already established the run threat.

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