Playbooks
TE Under
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
TE Under lines up in Singleback Ace 12 personnel with both TEs on the line and shows a true drag concept across the field. The backside X runs a go route to clear the top of the defense, the outside slot runs a deep dig style out and up (drawn as a comeback style flag pattern to the sideline), and the inside receiver runs a shallow drag underneath from one side of the formation to the other while the other TE releases into a shallow crossing route that settles under the drag. This is a man beater and Cover 3 beater built on levels and shallow cross principles, with the primary read progression starting on the underneath drag/shallow cross combo working from inside to outside before working back to the go route on a busted coverage or blown assignment.
Defensive Reads
Key the underneath linebackers immediately after the snap, since their drop depth tells you whether the shallow cross or the drag will be open first. Watch for a user controlled defender sitting in the shallow zone or lurking near the crossing routes, which signals a spy or lurk technique designed to jump the drag. Check corner alignment before the snap, since press man on the outside receiver often signals man coverage that the shallow cross concept exploits with natural rub routes. Look for safety rotation post snap, since a Cover 3 shell with a deep middle safety will bracket the underneath crossers and force you to hold the ball longer for the go route to develop. Recognize blitz packages by counting box defenders, since a six or seven man box negates the blocking scheme up front and requires an immediate throw to the shallow drag before pressure arrives.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a quick glance at the strong safety to determine if you are facing man or zone before the snap, since the shallow cross concept thrives against man coverage with picks and rubs. Hot route the outer receiver into a deep comeback or hitch if you see a soft Cover 3 cushion, since the go route can sit unused against zone drops. Attack third and medium to third and long situations where linebackers are more likely to sink into zone drops and open up the shallow crossing lanes. Pair this play with PA Post Dig or PA Post Cross Shot in the same drive to keep defenders honest on the levels concept before hitting them with a play action shot off similar route stems. Use the drag as a check down valve against the blitz since the shallow crosser clears quickly and gives you a built in answer versus pressure looks.
