Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Four Verticals from Singleback Doubles Y Open sends all four eligible receivers straight up the field on vertical stem routes, with both outside receivers pushing the sideline and the slot receiver and tight end splitting the seams. The running back releases up the middle on a check release vertical route, giving the quarterback a true four man vertical stretch with a fifth option underneath if the pocket collapses. This is a man beater and Cover 2 beater designed to stress single high and two deep safety shells by clearing the middle of the field and forcing defenders to run with receivers vertically, with the primary read starting on the seam routes before working outside to the boundary verticals.
Defensive Reads
Identify single high safety alignment pre-snap, this usually signals Cover 3 or Cover 1 and means the deep middle defender will be stressed trying to cover two seam routes at once. Watch for two deep safeties splitting the field evenly, this is the classic Cover 2 shell that Four Verticals is built to exploit through the seams. Post-snap, track the middle linebacker or nickel defender, if he sinks deep into a seam without disrupting the route at the line, that receiver becomes the first read. Beware of Cover 4 quarters shells with disciplined safeties, they can match up vertically on both seam routes and take away the middle of the field entirely. Watch for a user controlled safety sitting in a deep lurk position over the seams, that is the biggest threat to this concept and often forces the quarterback to work the boundary verticals instead.
Usage Tips
Check the safety alignment before the snap, two deep safeties tipping Cover 2 or Cover 4 are prime targets since the seams will open between the corner and safety zones.
Use this play on obvious passing downs like second or third and long where defenses often sit in zone shells to prevent big plays underneath.
Hot route the running back into a flat route or check release block if you need extra protection against a four man rush or delayed blitz.
Pair this with Slants or Mtn Y Stick in the same set to keep defenses honest, if they start jumping the verticals after seeing this play once, the quick game underneath will punish that aggression.
Attack the boundary corner if he presses at the line, the outside vertical wins against man coverage when the receiver stacks the defender early in the route.
