Playbooks

PA X Curl

Shotgun·Wing Tight·13

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Breakdown

PA X Curl out of Shotgun Wing Tight is a play-action pass built off the run fake to hold linebackers and freeze the second level before the QB works the curl breaking off the X receiver. The 13 personnel grouping with a wing tight end gives extra protection or a checkdown option in the flat while the play-action rollout look manipulates zone defenders reading run first. This is primarily a zone beater, since the curl route sits down in the soft spot behind underneath defenders and in front of deep zone coverage, and the primary read progression starts with the X curl before working to any underneath crossers or the tight end release as a checkdown.

Defensive Reads

Identify pre-snap whether the defense is in a two high or one high shell, since single high safety looks with aggressive linebackers are the most vulnerable to the play-action freeze. Watch for a defender spying or sitting in the underneath zone right where the curl route breaks, that is a lurk key that a user player may jump the route. If the defense shows Cover 2 with the corner sinking under the curl, expect the throwing window to shrink and look to move to the checkdown or backside option instead. Man coverage with linebackers matched up on the tight end or backs is a green light situation, since the play-action fake and route spacing create natural separation against man defenders biting on the run. Watch linebacker blitz packages off the edge, since a fast interior blitz can beat the play-action fake before the QB completes his drop, so keep an eye on protection numbers before snapping.

Usage Tips

Use this on early downs like 1st or 2nd and medium when defenses are honoring run tendencies from Wing Tight personnel, since the play fake sells harder against aggressive run fits.

Check the pre-snap alignment for linebacker depth, if they are sitting shallow expecting run flow, the play-action window opens up for the curl to settle in the soft zone.

Hot route the tight end to a flat or drag conversion against man coverage to give yourself a quick underneath option if the curl gets covered by a robber or lurking defender.

Pair this play with Inside Zone or QB Zone earlier in a series to condition the defense into biting on run action, then call PA X Curl to punish overaggressive linebacker flow.

Against Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells, trust the curl sitting in the hole between the underneath zone and deep third, but against Cover 2 look to layer the throw before the safety can crash down.

Other Plays in Wing Tight