Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 11 playbooks
Breakdown
WR Out out of Strong I Close (21 personnel) sends the backside X on a deep dig/comeback across the field while the two inline receivers on the strong side work a vertical clear and a quick out breaking to the sideline. The HB releases up the middle on a check release or leak route, giving the quarterback a layered progression from underneath to intermediate. This is a man beater at its core, using the clearing vertical route to open a soft spot for the out and the crossing route underneath to punish inside leverage or blitz-happy defenses.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify whether the corner over the out route is playing press or off man, press alignment invites a quick throw before the jam disrupts timing. Watch the flat defender's depth in zone coverage, if he sits shallow the out route has no room to work and the quarterback should reset to the crossing route. Key the strong side linebacker for blitz indicators, since the HB's leak route can be exposed if he is left unblocked on a delayed rush. Against Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells, the safety over the top will squeeze the vertical clearing route, which opens a bigger throwing lane underneath for the crossing route. User linebackers sitting in a lurk or spy technique in the middle of the field are the biggest threat to the underneath crosser, so track that defender's drop before committing to the throw.
Usage Tips
Use this play on second and medium to third and short where the quick out route can move the sticks in a hurry.
Check the flat defender and corner depth before the snap, if the corner is playing off you have an easy pitch and catch to the out.
Hot route the backside X into a comeback or curl against zone shells to shrink the crossing route's window and speed up the timing.
Pair this call with Angle Out or Mesh from the same set so the defense sees similar backfield action and personnel but has to defend a different stress point on the route combo.
Attack Cover 3 and Cover 1 with the out breaking route since the vertical clear from the tight end tends to pull the flat defender or safety out of the throwing lane.
