Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA HB Curl runs a play-action fake off Singleback Doubles Flex, holding the safeties with the run fake before the QB works a curl-flat combo to the boundary and a corner route from the wide receiver on the backside. Off the play fake, the flex TE or slot runs a curl route settling in the middle void while the outside receiver on that side works an out breaking flat, creating a natural curl-flat man and zone beater combo. The backside single receiver runs a corner route, giving a vertical shot option if the defense sells hard on the run fake and the underneath defenders bite. Primary progression starts backside on the corner route for the explosive shot, then comes back to the curl sitting in the zone window, and checks down to the flat as the safety valve.
Defensive Reads
Read the strong safety and linebacker depth before the snap, if they are stacked close to the line expecting run the play-action fake will freeze them and open the curl and corner routes. Watch for Cover 3 or Cover 4 zone shells, this play beats those coverages because the curl route sits in the natural void between the underneath zone and deep zone defenders. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is vulnerable to the backside corner route beating a trailing cornerback for a explosive gain. Key the flat defender post snap, if he sinks too deep on the flat route the curl behind him becomes an easy completion for the quarterback. Blitz heavy defenses that bring extra rushers can disrupt this play since it relies on a full play-action fake and a moment for routes to develop, so a fast interior pressure or overload blitz will force a quick, forced throw.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like 1st or 2nd and short to medium yardage since the play fake sells best when defenses respect the run. Check pre-snap for single high safety looks, if the safety bites on the play fake the backside corner route can hit over the top for a big play. Against zone coverage, work the curl route first since it settles into the soft spot behind linebackers and in front of the deep defenders. Hot route the flat defender into a deeper out or corner route against teams that sit their corners in low zones to bait the underneath throw. Pair this play with HB Dive or HB Power O earlier in a series so linebackers step up on run reads, then dial up PA HB Curl to punish overaggressive run fits with the play-action element.
