Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Verticals out of Singleback Bunch TE sends four receivers vertical to stretch the field: the backside X runs a deep post-corner from isolation, while the bunch releases three vertical stems, one bending outside to the numbers, one climbing straight up the seam, and the third breaking to the flat off play action leverage. The RB stays in to check block or leaks to the flat underneath, giving the quarterback a built-in checkdown if the deep routes are covered. This is a true four verticals concept designed to beat both Cover 2 and Cover 3 by overloading one half of the field with three deep threats against two or three deep defenders.
Defensive Reads
Read the safety alignment before the snap: two safeties deep with a rotation tendency signals Cover 2, which opens the seam window between the flat and deep defenders. Watch the corners at the snap: if they sink immediately into deep thirds without jumping the underneath stem, you are likely seeing Cover 3, so attack the boundary with the deep out route. Key the middle linebacker's depth: a shallow drop means he can wall off the inside seam, so shift your first read to the outside vertical instead. Look for a user controlled safety sitting in a lurk position over the seam, since that defender can jump the throw if the quarterback stares it down too long. If you see man coverage indicators like corners mirroring receivers at the line with a single high safety, this concept is vulnerable to a well timed blitz since there is no quick outlet beyond the RB check release.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing two deep safeties or three, since this concept is built specifically to punish Cover 2 and Cover 3 shells.
Against Cover 2, target the seam route sitting between the corner and safety before the safety can rotate over the top.
Against Cover 3, work the deep out breaking route to the sideline where the flat defender cannot get enough width to cover it.
Use this play on early downs or obvious pass downs when you expect a two high shell, and pair it with Cross Drag or Stick from the same set to keep linebackers honest against shorter routes.
If the defense shows single high or man coverage pre-snap, consider audibling to Switch Snag or Mtn HB Screen instead since verticals lose value against tight man coverage with a robber underneath.
