Playbooks

Ace Overload

Singleback·Ace·12

Drag Crosser Post Corner In Speed Out Pass Play

Likely unavailable in the playbook builder

This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Diagram coming soon

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback

SetAce

Personnel

121 RB · 2 TE · 2 WR

In 1 playbook

Legends OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Singleback Ace Overload lines up with 12 personnel and shifts extra strength to one side of the formation, creating a natural overload look against the defense. This is primarily a run play built off inside zone and man blocking concepts, using the extra tight end to seal the edge or double team the defensive end at the point of attack. The primary read progression for the ball carrier starts with the playside double team, then bounces to the alley if the linebacker fills fast, keying the first unblocked defender off the overloaded edge.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, check the strength of the defensive front and see if it shifts to match the overload side, which tells you if the defense is run heavy or passing off the numbers. Watch linebacker depth: if they are stacked tight to the line, expect an aggressive fill and be ready to bounce the run outside the overload double team. This run beats base 4-3 and 3-4 fronts that do not shift, along with man coverage looks that leave the box light. It struggles against odd fronts with a heavy nose and Bear fronts that add extra gap defenders, since the overload side gets outnumbered. Post-snap, key the play side linebacker's first step: if he attacks downhill immediately, look for the cutback lane behind the double team rather than forcing it into a stacked box. Be wary of defenses that show blitz off the weak side, since a fast backside linebacker can chase down the run before the double team develops.

Usage Tips

Use pre-snap motion or shifts sparingly here since the formation already declares strength, so watch for defenses adjusting their front to match the overload side before the snap.

Identify the box count immediately: if the defense has six or fewer in the box, this run has a clean path, but against seven or eight in the box you should hot route the backside TE into a stalk block or check to a pass concept from this set like PA Boot Roll or PA Ctr Waggle.

Attack the play early in a game to establish tendencies, then pair it later with HB Counter Str or Pin Pull Sweep out of the same personnel to keep linebackers guessing on flow direction.

On third and short or goal line situations this play shines because the extra gap on the overload side is tough for base fronts to fit cleanly.

If the CPU or opponent shows a bubble or crashing defensive end, hot route the fullback or extra TE to chip and release into the flat as a checkdown outlet.