Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Bench out of Singleback Ace Close is a classic Bench route concept run to both sides with a middle read underneath. Both outside receivers run vertical stems that break into deep out routes toward the sideline, while the two inside slot receivers run flat routes underneath them, creating a high low stretch on the corners on each side of the field. The TE aligned tight releases up the seam on a vertical, giving you a three level read on the strongside and a two man man beater concept on the backside, with the RB staying in to help protect against pressure up the middle.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check corner depth and leverage: soft corners playing off coverage are susceptible to the deep out route sitting down in the void behind them. Watch for Cover 3 or Cover 4 zone shells since the flat defender has to choose between the underneath flat route and the deep out, creating an easy stick throw if he bites on the flat man. Post-snap, key the underneath linebackers and nickel defenders dropping into the flat: if they widen with the flat route, the deep out will be open on time. Man coverage without safety help over the top is vulnerable to the TE seam route splitting the middle of the field, so watch for a single high safety cheating late. Beware disguised zone blitzes that drop a defensive lineman into the shallow flat area since the RB and TE stay in to protect, leaving the QB with fewer answers if pressure comes off the edge untouched.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify which side has the single high safety versus two high shell since Bench thrives against zone coverage that has flat defenders sitting short.
Use the flat and out combo to attack Cover 3 by reading the corner: if he sinks with the out, dump it to the flat route underneath for an easy pitch and catch.
Hot route the backside slot into a quick drag or spot route if you are facing man coverage to give yourself a rhythm throw away from the flat/out combo.
This play works best on second and medium to long or third and medium since the out routes need time to develop and the sideline stretch benefits from extra field to operate.
Pair Bench with Close Y Seam or Close PA Cross in your play-calling sequence so defenders start jumping the flat and out combo, then hit the seam or play-action shot over the top once they overplay the underneath stuff.
