Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 15 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Post Curl Shot is a shot play out of Singleback Bunch X Nasty that uses play-action to hold the linebackers before attacking downfield. From the bunch alignment, one receiver clears out on a deep post while another runs a curl in the shallow zone underneath, and the backside receiver on the wing runs a deep dig to the far sideline. The play action fakes a run look to freeze the box, then the quarterback works his primary read from the post shot to the curl as the safety valve. This is a man beater against aggressive coverage because the post can split safeties while the curl sits down in soft spots against zone drops.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is in a two high shell or single high look, since two high safeties can rotate to help on the post while single high leaves it exposed. Watch the linebacker depth at the snap, if they bite hard on the play-action fake it confirms room for the post route to work behind them. Post-snap, key any user-controlled defender dropping into the deep middle third, as a lurking safety or linebacker can undercut the post if the quarterback holds the ball too long. Zone blitzes with a delayed safety rotation are the most dangerous defensive answer, since they disguise coverage while still getting numbers on the curl and post combo. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the biggest weakness for the defense, since the post can win one-on-one if the cornerback loses depth in his backpedal.
Usage Tips
Use this play in medium to long yardage situations on second or third down when defenses are more likely to sit in zone shells and bite on the run fake.
Check the safety alignment before the snap, if you see two high safeties cheat the post route with a manual user catch to split the zone before the safety can rotate over.
If the defense shows single high or man coverage, hot route the curl into a deeper option or motion it to create natural rub leverage against the bunch defenders.
Pair this play with Inside Zone Split or HB Dive earlier in the drive to sell the run fake and get linebackers biting harder on the play-action.
Sequence this shot play after running PA Boot or PA Cross a few times so the defense respects the boot action and commits fast to the flat, opening the post behind them.
