Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Curl Post Drag out of Singleback Wing Stack (12 personnel) gives you a three level route combo on the left with a post and curl crossing paths, a drag running underneath from the right side receiver working across the formation, and a fullback or TE releasing up the seam on the right for a vertical stretch. The tight end lined up in the backfield checks down into a flat/spot route off the line, giving the quarterback a quick outlet if the levels concept is covered downfield. This is primarily a man beater thanks to the crossing action from the post and curl creating natural rub picks, though the drag underneath also settles into soft spots against zone. Primary read progression starts with the post and curl combo on the left, works to the deep seam route on the right, and checks down to the drag or flat route underneath.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a single high safety pre-snap. That alignment signals man coverage underneath, which is exactly what this play is designed to exploit with the post and curl combo. If you see two deep safeties split evenly, expect zone coverage, and prioritize the drag route as your first read since it should find soft grass underneath. Key on the linebacker depth at the snap. Shallow linebackers crowding the box suggest blitz packages, so get the ball out quickly to the drag or checkdown route. User controlled defenders sitting in the shallow crossing lanes indicate a lurk technique designed to jump the drag or curl. If you see this, look immediately to the deep seam route on the right. Cover 3 shells with a hard flat defender can undercut the drag route, so be ready to progress to the post if the underneath throwing lane closes.
Usage Tips
Use this play on second or third and medium when you expect man coverage since the crossing post and curl create natural traffic against man defenders.
Check the middle of the field pre-snap. If you see a single high safety, attack the post route since the curl will occupy underneath defenders and open a throwing lane.
Against zone shells, lead with the drag route as your first read since it settles into the void vacated by linebackers dropping to cover the curl and post.
Pair this play with PA Dig or Levels from the same set to keep defenders guessing between shallow crossers and deeper in cuts, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their drops.
If you face heavy pressure looks pre-snap, hot route the fullback into a quick flat or use him as a check release blocker to buy the quarterback extra time for the deeper routes to develop.
