Playbooks
Quick Reference
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Breakdown
TE Seam Option lines up in Singleback Ace 12 personnel with both outside receivers running vertical routes to stretch the deep coverage, while the inline TE runs a seam option route reading the underneath defender to break inside or outside. The backside TE releases into the flat with a shallow drag/flat route, giving a checkdown outlet, and the running back runs an outlet route to the opposite flat, effectively clearing out the middle for the seam read. This is a man and zone beater built around the TE seam option as the primary read, with the two outside verticals holding safeties and the RB flat route as the checkdown against underneath pressure.
Defensive Reads
Watch the middle linebacker depth at the snap. If he sits shallow or blitzes, the TE seam option has a clean throwing lane right behind him. Identify single high safety shells like Cover 1 or Cover 3, since the TE seam option is designed to split the difference between the deep safety and the underneath defenders in that exact void. Beware two deep safety shells that stay disciplined, like Cover 2 or Cover 4 with quarters rules, because the deep half defenders can squeeze the seam if they don't bite on the outside verticals. Key on user controlled linebackers or lurking safeties dropping into the passing window since a well timed nano blitz or spy can jump the option route if the quarterback holds the ball too long. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the worst matchup for the defense, since the TE option route naturally uncovers itself against tight man leverage from a linebacker or nickel defender.
Usage Tips
Presnap, check the safety alignment. If you see two high safeties sitting deep, the TE seam option is your go to since it settles into the soft spot in the middle of the field before either safety can rotate over. Against single high looks, be ready to hot route the outside verticals into comebacks or hitches since the deep middle will be occupied by the free safety sitting on your TE seam read. Use the RB flat route as your check down against any zone drop that squats on the seam, especially versus Tampa 2 or Cover 3 sink concepts where a linebacker walls off the middle. This play pairs well on early downs with PA Post Dig or PA Flood, since both share the same initial formation look and force the defense to respect the play action before you come back with the quick seam option on third down. Run this on third and short to medium distance when you expect man coverage, since the option route naturally beats man leverage by breaking away from the defender's hip.
