KC Smash out of Singleback Wing Stack runs the classic Smash concept to the trips side, pairing a corner route from the outside receiver with a hitch or flat route underneath from the wing, while the backside X runs a deep corner route on an island and the backside slot runs a shallow drag across the field. The running back releases into a check release flat route as a fifth option and last resort against blitz. This is a Cover 2 beater by design, since the corner route stretches the deep half safety vertically while the underneath flat route sits in the hole the cornerback vacates, but it also holds up against man coverage because the corner and drag give you natural picks and separation. Primary read progression starts with the corner route to the flat/hitch smash combo on the play side, then works to the backside drag before checking down to the running back in the flat.

Defensive Reads

Look for two safeties splitting the field pre-snap, that Cover 2 shell is exactly what the smash combo is designed to exploit since the corner route sits behind the cornerback and in front of the safety. Watch the flat defender post-snap, if he sinks with the corner route instead of sitting the hitch or flat, that window opens up for an easy completion underneath. Against man coverage keys such as press corners or a linebacker shaded over the slot, expect the backside drag to win quickly, so user your linebacker to trail that crosser rather than staying zone dropped. Be alert for a Cover 3 buzz where the corner rotates down to take away the flat route while the safety bails deep, this can take away the easy underneath option and force the corner route into a tighter window. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge or through a nano blitz can beat this play before the smash combo develops, so if you see pressure indicators pre-snap, spy or chip the edge rushers to protect the quarterback long enough for the corner route to clear.

Usage Tips

Pre-snap identify the safety alignment first, two high safeties confirm the Cover 2 shell this play was built to attack, so trust the smash combo immediately. If you see one high safety or man coverage indicators like cornerbacks pressed on the receivers, be ready to work the backside drag route which becomes your best man beater against Cover 1 or Cover 3. Use this on second and medium to second and long situations where the defense is more likely to sit in zone shells and give up the flat to corner window. Motion the running back or use a hot route to check him into a route adjustment if you expect a blitz, since the check release flat gives you a built in answer against pressure. Pair this play with Four Verticals and PA Dig from the same set to keep defenses honest, since if they start jumping the smash combo you can hit them over the top or attack the intermediate middle with a different concept from identical formation and personnel.

KC Smash

Quick Reference

In 6 playbooks

Receiver routes

Read progression

Breakdown

Defensive Reads

Usage Tips

Other Plays in Wing Stack