Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
TE Post out of Singleback Doubles Flex sends the TE from an inline spot on a deep post that splits the safeties, while the backside outside receiver runs a deep corner route to stretch the far side of the field vertically. The slot receiver to the TE side runs a quick out to the flat area then works underneath, and the running back releases out of the backfield on a shallow drag that clears from the strongside to the weakside, giving you a built-in checkdown against a blitz. The X receiver on the numbers runs a straight go route up the sideline as a vertical stress option. This is a man beater designed to exploit single high or press man coverage, with the primary read progressing from the TE post to the backside corner route, then down to the drag if both are covered.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a single high safety who has to choose between the TE post and the backside corner route, since that is the leverage point of this concept. If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 1 man, expect the TE post to win against linebackers who cannot match speed down the seam. Zone defenses like Cover 2 or Cover 4 with two deep safeties can squeeze the post throwing window, so look for the safety rotating over the top before pulling the trigger. Key the middle linebacker or nickel defender assigned to the TE, since a delayed or shallow drop from that defender signals a blitz look and means you should get the ball out on the drag quickly. Be wary of a user controlled safety lurking underneath the post route, since that is the most common way this play gets picked or batted down at the catch point.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, check for single high safety alignment or press man on the outside receivers since that tells you the TE post has room to work against a linebacker or nickel defender in coverage.
If you see two deep safeties in a clear zone shell, hot route the drag route from the backfield into a quicker option or look to the backside corner route since the post window will be tighter against zone drops.
Use this play on second or third and medium situations where you have time to let the post develop, since it takes a few seconds for the TE to clear the underneath linebackers.
Pair this call with Flanker Dig or Slot Post from the same set to keep the defense guessing on which receiver is running the deep post, forcing linebackers to widen their drops.
Sequence this play after running HB Dive or HB Power O to get the defense selling run and softening the linebacker depth, which opens up the TE post lane over the middle.
