Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 11 playbooks
Breakdown
Smash is a classic Cover 2 beater out of Singleback Wing Flex Close, built around a high low read on the right side. The outside receiver runs a corner route while the tight end underneath him sits down on a quick out, stacking a high low on the flat and corner defender. On the backside, the receiver runs a deep post while the flexed tight end runs a shallow crossing route underneath to give the quarterback a quick outlet, and the running back releases into the flat as a checkdown or screen option. The primary read progression starts with the smash corner and flat combo, then works backside to the post and crosser if the corner side is capped.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the safety alignment first, two high safeties invite the corner route over the top while single high tells you the post is live. Watch the cornerback's depth at the snap, if he sinks deep to cover the corner route the flat defender is exposed underneath. Key the flat or curl defender's zone drop, if he widens too quickly to jump the flat throw the corner route behind him. Beware a user controlled safety lurking over the top in Cover 2, he can rob the corner route if the quarterback stares it down too long. Against man coverage with no help over the top, the backside post from the flexed receiver is the biggest explosive play threat, so respect press coverage cues before committing to the corner side.
Usage Tips
Look for two high safeties pre-snap since this play is designed specifically to attack Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells where the corner sits low in the flat.
Throw the corner route the instant the flat defender commits underneath, this is the classic smash window against zone.
If the defense shows man coverage, hot route the flat runner into a quick out or speed out to create separation, and lean on the backside post as your man beater since it stresses a single high safety.
Use this on second and medium to long or third and medium, it gives you a built in checkdown to the running back if both primary reads are covered.
Pair this with Four Verticals or PA Shot Post from the same set so the defense cannot sit on the smash concept, then come back to this play once you see them cheating a safety toward the corner route.
