Playbooks

Curl Flat

Singleback·Wing Tight Z·13

Flat Curl Curl Flat Pass Play Cover 2 Beater Cover 3 Beater

Play diagram for Curl Flat from Singleback Wing Tight Z in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback

SetWing Tight Z

Personnel

131 RB · 3 TE · 1 WR

In 1 playbook

Balanced OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Curl Flat out of Singleback Wing Tight Z is a quick-hitting zone beater built around a three level stretch to the trips side. The outer receiver runs a vertical release up the numbers, the inner slot receiver breaks down into a curl at roughly ten yards, and the tight end or wing releases to the flat underneath while the backside receiver runs a shallow drag across the field. The primary read progression starts with the curl route sitting down in the window behind underneath defenders, then works to the flat route if the curl is squeezed, with the deep vertical serving as a clear out and the drag as a checkdown against man coverage.

Defensive Reads

Identify two high safeties pre-snap, since that shell tells you the flat defender is likely a linebacker who can be attacked with the flat and curl stretch. Key the curl to flat defender post-snap, if he sinks with the curl route throw the flat immediately, if he jumps the flat throw the curl behind him. Watch for a user controlled defender lurking in the underneath middle zone, since that player can jump the drag route and force you to the curl or vertical clearout instead. Against man coverage, key the backside drag for a free release and easy separation, especially versus linebackers in man match concepts. Beware disguised Cover 3 sky or press man blitz packages where the flat defender is replaced by a blitzing linebacker, since that removes the flat option and forces a quick decision to the curl or drag.

Usage Tips

Look for two deep safeties pre-snap since this concept is labeled a Cover 2 and Cover 3 beater and thrives when the flat defender has to choose between the flat and curl.

Use the drag route on the backside as a built in answer versus man coverage if you diagnose man match or press alignment before the snap.

Hot route the vertical route on the numbers into a deep out or comeback against soft Cover 3 corners who sink too early, since the vertical is mainly clearing space.

Run this on second and medium or third and short to medium since the quick curl and flat combo gets the ball out fast and limits pressure exposure.

Pair this play with HB Inside Zone or 26 Duo out of the same Wing Tight Z look so linebackers respect the run fit and widen passing lanes for the curl and flat combo.