Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA X Curl runs out of Weak I Slot Flex with 21 personnel and sells the play fake before attacking the intermediate middle of the field. Off the fake, the X receiver runs a curl route to the sticks in the intermediate zone, the flexed slot runs a deep vertical seam up the numbers, and the backside receiver runs a deep drift/dig across the field, while the TE releases on a vertical up the seam from an in-line alignment. The RB stays in to help pass protect after selling the run fake, giving the QB a clean pocket to read the field off play action. This is primarily a zone beater built to hold linebackers and safeties with the run fake and the vertical stems, with the X curl as the quick primary read and the deep seam and drift routes serving as the secondary shot options if the underneath defenders bite.
Defensive Reads
Check the linebacker depth pre-snap, stacked or walked up linebackers show run support priority and increase the odds they bite on the play fake, opening the X curl and deep seam. Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, single high (Cover 3 or Cover 1) leaves the deep seam route vulnerable to a big play if the safety flows to the fake. Watch for a user-controlled defender spying the RB or lurking in the shallow middle, since that defender can undercut the X curl route if he reads the QB's eyes quickly. Against Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells, the deep routes will likely be capped, so prioritize the X curl as the primary read and expect the underneath hook defender to be the key coverage threat. Look for edge blitzers off the play fake, if the defense sends overload pressure from the play side, the QB needs a quick trigger to the X curl before the pocket collapses.
Usage Tips
Sell the play fake by holding the RPO-style run fake animation fully before your eyes move downfield, since defenders keying the mesh point will jump the X curl if you snap your eyes too early.
Use this on early downs, especially first and second and medium, where defenses are more willing to respect Weak I run tendencies and bite on the play fake.
Read the flat and hook defenders first, if a linebacker widens or drops to the X curl area, look immediately to the deep seam route from the slot receiver for a big chunk play over the top.
Pair this with Power O or HB Gut from the same Weak I Slot Flex set earlier in a drive to condition the defense to respect the run, then dial up PA X Curl once linebackers start creeping toward the line of scrimmage.
Against zone shells, hot route the backside drift route to sit down as a curl or comeback if you see Cover 3 sink, giving you an additional zone beater window against corners playing off.
