Playbooks

Lions Comebacks

Singleback·Ace·12

Comeback 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

Lions Comebacks is a man beater out of Singleback Ace 12 personnel that sends both outside receivers vertical before snapping them back downhill on comeback routes at roughly twelve to fourteen yards, with the tight ends working underneath as a middle read and check valve. The blocking assigns the HB to scan for a blitz release, so this works as a five man protection with an outlet if the rush wins. Primary read progression starts with the boundary comeback if you get a hard corner playing off, then works to the field side comeback, and finally settles on the underneath TE crossing or flat route if both comebacks are covered.

Defensive Reads

Check pre-snap corner depth and hips, since off man corners with outside shade get beat clean by the comeback break while press corners can jam and disrupt the timing. Watch safety rotation after the snap, because a two high shell that rotates late into Cover 3 will have a flat footed corner who is vulnerable to the comeback. Identify Cover 2 or Tampa 2 by reading corner jump technique, since a corner sitting on the comeback route can bait a turnover if the quarterback does not see the underneath robber. Key the strong side linebacker or nickel defender for a lurk drop into the throwing lane, as user controlled defenders sitting on the comeback window can jump the route and create a pick six opportunity. Recognize blitz packages by pre-snap linebacker depth and nickel alignment, since a five or six man pressure package can force a quick checkdown to the TE before the comebacks even develop.

Usage Tips

Look for corners playing off man or soft zone before the snap since comebacks punish defenders who are backpedaling and cannot flip their hips in time.

Use the hot route menu to convert one TE into a spot or flat route against zone shells so you have an immediate underneath answer versus Tampa 2 and Cover 3 sink.

This play shines on second and long or third and medium since the comeback route naturally settles at the sticks and gives you a high percentage completion window.

Pair this with HB Draw or Inside Zone from the same Ace 12 personnel to keep defenses honest against the run before dialing up Comebacks on early downs.

Combine with Ace TE Drag or Curl Flats in the same set so defenses cannot key on the comeback break and start jumping the route with linebackers or safeties.