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Breakdown
X Curl FB Flat out of Weak I Slot Flex (21 personnel) sends the backside X on a vertical release into a curl at the sticks, the slot receiver and TE stem up the seam and out to the boundary on deep outs, and the FB releases to the flat off a play-fake blocking look for a quick outlet. The HB runs a shallow drag underneath from the backfield, giving the quarterback a layered progression from short to intermediate. This is a zone beater by design, using the curl-flat combination to stress the flat defender and hook zone defender simultaneously, with the primary read progression going FB flat, then X curl, then working to the drag or outside breaking routes if the underneath defenders sink.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flat defender at the snap, if a linebacker widens late or gets stuck in traffic near the line, the FB flat is uncovered and should be your first read. Key the hook zone linebacker or safety rotation to see if he sinks under the X curl route, if he stays shallow the curl window closes and you should progress to the drag or outside breaking route. Against Cover 2 or Cover 3 shells, this play beats the underneath defenders by putting two receivers on one flat defender, forcing a leverage decision. User-controlled lurk defenders sitting in the middle of the field can jump the curl route, so watch for a defender crashing down late before committing to that throw. Man coverage with no help over the top can be exposed by the X curl breaking away from a trailing corner, but blitzes that bring extra rushers off the edge can beat the FB flat protection before the route develops.
Usage Tips
Use this play on second and medium or third and short when defenses are likely to sit in zone shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4.
Pre-snap, identify if the flat defender is a linebacker or a cornerback since the FB flat route wins big against linebackers who cannot match speed.
If you see man coverage indicators such as corners lined up tight on the X, hot route the X curl into a stop or dig to prevent the defender from sitting underneath.
Pair this play with PA X Curl in the same set to keep linebackers honest on run fits before hitting the identical curl-flat read off play action.
Sequence this with HB Gut or Power O earlier in the drive so linebackers bite on run action, opening up the FB flat as a wide open checkdown.
