Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Out of Singleback Trips 11 personnel, TE In sends the flanker (outside trips receiver) on a deep vertical stem up the sideline while the slot receiver runs a skinny post up the seam. The tight end works across the field on a shallow in route from the line, crossing under the red flat route from the backside X receiver, and the running back leaks out to the flat on the opposite side. This is a man beater built on the crossing action between the TE in route and the flat route, designed to create natural rub traffic against man coverage, with the primary read progression going from the TE in route on the shallow crosser to the checkdown flat route from the back if the middle is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Watch for man coverage defenders trailing the TE across the formation, since the in route is designed to create rub traffic that separates from tight man technique. Key the flat defender's depth pre-snap, since a shallow zone drop from a linebacker or nickel corner can undercut both the flat route and the TE in route. Identify single high safety alignment before the snap, which signals Cover 1 or Cover 3 and opens up the deep seam route from the slot receiver as a big play threat. Post-snap, track any user-controlled lurk defender sitting in the shallow zone, since that player can jump the TE in route if the quarterback stares it down too long. Recognize blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge, since the running back's flat route becomes the primary answer and the offensive line's protection will be tested immediately.
Usage Tips
Use this play on second or third and short to medium when the defense shows man coverage, since the TE in route and flat route create a natural pick against man defenders trailing across the formation.
Pre-snap, check for single high safety looks or Cover 1 press alignment on the trips side, since the crossing traffic near the line will bait trailing defenders into contact with the offensive line.
If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 4 zone shells, prioritize the deep seam route from the slot receiver over the TE in route, since the underneath zone defenders will sit on the crosser.
Hot route the running back to a quick flat release if you see a blitz look, since the shallow flat route gives the quarterback an instant answer against pressure off the edge.
Pair this play with Curl Combo or Stick from the same Singleback Trips set to keep the defense guessing between shallow crossing concepts and quick underneath combos, forcing linebackers to stay honest on their zone drops.
