Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Bench out of Singleback Tight Flex is a five man route concept built to attack zone coverage with horizontal stretches on both sides of the field. Both outside receivers run flat routes to the sideline while the slot and tight end run corner routes up the seam, and the backside X receiver runs a deep dig that crosses the middle of the field. The HB releases on a check release path off the backfield as the last option underneath. Primary read progression starts with the deep dig on the backside since it stretches the middle linebacker, then works to the corner route on the play side, and finally checks down to the flat or the HB if the window is late developing.
Defensive Reads
Pre snap, check safety depth and cornerback alignment to diagnose Cover 2 versus Cover 3. Two deep safeties with corners playing off usually signals Cover 2, which opens up the deep dig behind the linebackers. One deep safety in the middle of the field with corners playing outside leverage usually signals Cover 3, which opens the corner routes against the flat defenders. Post snap, watch for a user lurking in the middle of the field baiting the dig route, since that throw is the primary target for a jump the route pick six. Man coverage with no help over the top gets exposed by the corner routes winning against a trail defender, but tight man coverage with a deep safety robbing the dig can shut this play down completely. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge force a quick check down to the flat or HB before the corner routes have time to develop.
Usage Tips
Use pre snap motion or a hot route check to see if the defense shifts into man or zone before the snap. Against Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells, target the corner routes on the vertical stretch since they attack the flat defender's zone drop. Against Cover 2, the deep dig becomes the primary read since it sits behind the underneath zone and in front of the deep half safety. Pair this play with HB Slam or HB Dive in the same set to keep defenses honest against the run and set up the play action look later in the drive. Best called on second and medium to third and long when you need a chunk play, since the routes take a few seconds to develop and require a clean pocket.
