Playbooks
Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.
| Player | Side | Route |
|---|---|---|
| HB1 | Left | Block and Release Hook |
| WR3 | Left | Curl |
| WR2 | Left | Out |
| WR1 | Right | Hook |
| TE1 | Right | Drag |
Curl Flat out of Shotgun Stack HB WK is a classic Cover 2 and Cover 3 beater built around a high low read on one side of the field. The outside receiver breaks down into a curl at roughly ten to twelve yards while the stacked receiver or attached back works the flat underneath, stretching the zone defender horizontally and vertically at the same time. There is no play-action or RPO element here, this is a straight dropback passing concept that relies on the quarterback reading the flat defender to determine whether to throw underneath or sit the ball into the curl window. The primary progression starts with the curl route, works down to the flat, then works to the backside if both are covered.
Pre snap, check safety alignment, two deep safeties split evenly usually means Cover 2 which this play is designed to exploit through the curl flat stretch Watch the flat defender post snap, if he sinks with the curl route and ignores the flat you have an easy throw underneath, if he stays flat footed in the flat you can rip the ball into the curl window behind him Cover 3 with a hard flat drop from the corner can take away the flat throw, in that case look to climb the ladder and throw the curl before the underneath zone defender can react Man coverage with a linebacker matched on the flat route is a soft spot, since backs and tight ends usually win that matchup quickly out of the backfield Beware of a user controlled safety sitting in a lurk position over the curl route, disguised Cover 4 or Cover 6 shells will bait the quarterback into throwing the curl into a lurking defender who can jump the route for a pick
Look at the cornerback depth before the snap, if he is sitting off at seven or more yards you are likely seeing Cover 2 or Cover 3 and the curl flat combo will have a clean window
Use your hot routes to convert the backside receiver into a dig or drag if you diagnose man coverage, since the curl flat side alone is not a strong man beater
This play shines on second and medium to third and short since the flat route gives you a quick checkdown against a hard pass rush while the curl stays alive for a bigger gain
Pair Curl Flat with Fk Toss Post Sit or Fk Toss Cross in your play calling sequence, if the defense starts jumping the flat route after seeing it once, go to the post sit shot play to attack the vacated deep middle
Against user controlled linebackers who sit low in the flat, throw a low, hard pass to the curl route as soon as it sits down to beat the closing defender before he can undercut the throw