Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Curl Flat Seam is a Cover 2 and Cover 3 beater out of Singleback Wing Tight Z that stresses the flat defender and the deep half safety in the same rep. The backside X runs a deep crossing route, the inline TE runs a quick out or flat route underneath, the slot Y climbs vertically into a seam, and the wing runs a shallow drag/curl into the middle void while the Y receiver to the field runs a flat route with the back sealing the edge in pass protection. Primary progression is seam first for the shot against Cover 2, then curl to flat as the safety rotates over the top and the flat defender widens.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and spacing since two safeties split deep signals Cover 2 and a single deep safety in the middle signals Cover 3 or Cover 1 Watch the flat defender at the snap since a hard flat drop opens the curl window while a curl drop opens the flat throw Key the deep half safety on the seam side since late rotation or a hard break on the seam route tells you Cover 2 is in play and the window will close fast Look for a user controlled defender sitting in the middle of the field, known as a lurk, since this can jump both the curl and the crossing route if the quarterback holds the ball too long This play struggles against aggressive man blitzes with no safety help over the seam, so if you see Cover 0 or a heavy blitz package, expect immediate pressure before routes fully develop
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify two high safeties before locking onto the seam route since Cover 2 leaves the seam wide open between the corner and safety
If the defense shows Cover 3 with a single high safety, work the curl to flat combo since the flat defender cannot cover both the flat route and the underneath curl
Hot route the crossing route to a hitch if you see man coverage and want a quick answer against a blitz look
Use this play on second and medium or third and medium since it gives you both a vertical shot and a safe underneath completion in the same design
Pair this with HB Stretch or HB Inside Zone earlier in the sequence to get linebackers cheating downhill, which opens the seam route even wider on this play call
