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Breakdown
Stick Nod Vertical out of Singleback Wing Tight U sends the outside receiver on a vertical release up the sideline while the wing runs a nod (stick nod) route sitting down around 5 yards before working outside, and the tight end runs a shallow crossing route underneath from the opposite side. The inline TE releases into a flat route to the boundary, giving the quarterback a stick concept triangle read (flat, nod, vertical) on one side. This is a classic Stick concept man and zone beater, with the primary read progression starting at the nod route sitting in the hook zone, then working to the flat, and finally to the vertical shot route as a home run alert if the corner bites on the underneath routes.
Defensive Reads
Read the flat defender first, if he widens with the tight end's flat route the nod route behind him becomes an easy completion window in Cover 2 or Cover 3 zone shells. Watch the underneath linebacker depth at the snap, a shallow drop or spy alignment signals a lurk threat that can jump the nod route or the crossing route. Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, a single high look with the corner playing off man leaves the vertical route vulnerable to a big play if the safety bites on the nod. Track the corner's press or bail technique on the vertical receiver, aggressive press man with no safety help is the exact look that turns this into a deep shot play. Look for blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge, since the shallow crosser and nod route become quick outlet throws against pressure but the vertical route loses protection time.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs or third and medium when defenses are showing a soft zone shell, since the stick nod sits down in the throwing lane against Tampa 2 and Cover 3 hook defenders.
Check the pre-snap alignment of the flat defender and the underneath linebacker, if they are stacked over the nod route consider hot routing the flat route to a quick out for an easier completion.
Against man coverage, key the vertical route on the boundary, if you see a corner playing tight man with no safety help over the top, take the shot early before the pocket collapses.
Pair this play with PA Sprint HB Flat or PA Boot Slide from the same set to keep linebackers honest on run fits, then come back to Stick Nod Vertical once the defense starts sitting on the flat and nod combo.
Use max protect or a quick hitch progression against exotic pressure looks since the tight end crosser can be uncovered against blitz heavy fronts that vacate the middle of the field.
