Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Switch X Comeback aligns out of Singleback Doubles Y-Slot Close with a five man protection, keeping the RB in to block and giving the QB a clean pocket. The X receiver runs a deep comeback breaking back to the sideline, the two outside receivers to the right run a switch release into a corner and seam combo that clears the flat, and the slot receiver runs a quick vertical stem to occupy the underneath defender. The primary read starts with the X comeback against off coverage, then progresses to the switch corner route on the outside if the cornerback sits on the comeback.
Defensive Reads
Identify the coverage shell pre snap by checking safety depth, two deep safeties usually signal Cover 2 or Cover 4 which puts extra stress on the comeback route to sit down before the corner recovers. Watch the cornerback over the X receiver, if he bails immediately into a deep drop the comeback will have a natural throwing window against zone. Key the flat defender on the switch side, if he widens with the release the corner route behind him becomes the built in answer against Cover 3 or Cover 4 rotations. Man coverage with a single high safety invites a blitz look, so check the box count and be ready to throw the comeback quickly if extra rushers show before the snap. A user controlled linebacker sitting in the shallow middle can jump underneath routes, so avoid staring down the middle read and trust the timing on the outside comeback and corner combo.
Usage Tips
Check the cornerback depth on the X receiver before the snap, if he is playing soft off coverage the comeback route will be open on time.
Use this play on second and long or third and medium when defenses expect a quick underneath throw and instead sit back in a deep zone shell.
If the defense shows man coverage with the corner pressed on the X, hot route the comeback to a quick out or slant to beat the jam.
Pair this call with Four Verticals from the same set to keep defenses honest, since both plays start with similar switch release action but attack different levels of the field.
Watch the free safety rotation post snap, if he rotates to the switch side widen your eyes to the comeback for a one on one matchup.
