Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Flanker Curl runs a play-action fake out of Shotgun Wing Tight Z to hold the linebackers before attacking the intermediate middle of the field. Off the fake, the outside receiver climbs vertically before breaking into a curl at the sticks, while the inside receiver runs a flat/drag route underneath to occupy the short zone or pull man coverage away from the curl window. The primary read is the curl route first, working from outside in, with the flat route serving as the checkdown or man beater against tight underneath coverage.
Defensive Reads
Check linebacker depth before the snap, since shallow linebackers signal they are likely to bite on the play-action fake and open up the curl window. Look for single-high safety shells like Cover 3 or Cover 1, as these leave the curl route isolated against a corner or safety with less help over the top. Watch for a user-controlled linebacker sitting in the curl zone as a lurk defender, since this is the primary threat that can jump the route and bait a turnover. Against Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with two deep safeties, the curl route may sit underneath zone coverage, so be ready to check down to the flat route if the window is not clear. Man coverage with no safety help over the flat runner is the biggest exploit, since the flat route becomes an easy pitch and catch against slower linebackers or safeties in man.
Usage Tips
Sell the run fake by holding the play-action button through the mesh point so linebackers bite and vacate the intermediate throwing lane for the curl. Use this on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage where defenses respect the run look and play-action becomes more effective. Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing a two-high shell or single-high look, since PA Flanker Curl works best against teams selling out to stop the run with a light box. Hot route the flat runner into a quick out or speed out if you diagnose man coverage with no underneath help, giving you an easy completion versus aggressive man defenders. Pair this play with Duo or Inside Zone earlier in a drive to establish run tendencies, then call PA Flanker Curl to punish linebackers who key run flow and vacate the curl zone.
