Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Verticals out of Trips TE Offset Wk sends four receivers vertically up the field, with the two inside trips receivers running seams and the outside trips receiver and backside X both stretching the sideline on go routes, while the offset TE releases into a flat route to hold the underneath defender. This is a classic four verts concept built to beat Cover 2 and Cover 3 by overloading the deep zones and forcing safeties into conflict. The primary read progression starts with the inside seam matched against the middle of the field defender, then works to the outside verticals if the safety commits to the seam.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the safety alignment first since two high safeties tip Cover 2 or Cover 4 while one deep safety tips Cover 3 or Cover 1. Watch the corner depth on the trips side, if they are playing off with outside leverage they are likely sinking into a deep third or half rather than pressing man. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker's drop, if he sprints to the seam it signals zone coverage rotating to help, if he stays flat footed he may be spying or blitzing. This concept struggles against Cover 4 quarters coverage since the safeties can sit on the seams and the corners can carry the verticals, and it is vulnerable to a well timed nano blitz that collapses the pocket before routes develop. Watch for a user controlled safety sitting in the deep middle, since that lurk defender can jump the inside seam if you telegraph the throw too early.
Usage Tips
Check pre-snap for two high safeties or a single high look before the snap to identify if you are facing Cover 2 or Cover 3, since this play is designed to exploit both shells. Against Cover 2, target the seam route in the honey hole between the corner and safety before the safety can rotate over. Against Cover 3, work the field side vertical away from the single high safety since he can only account for one deep third. Use the flat route from the offset TE as a checkdown against a hard blitz or when the defense drops eight into coverage. Pair this play with PA Flood or Flood Divide in your play-calling sequence to keep the defense guessing between vertical shots and horizontal stretches out of the same formation.
