The Comeback Route is a great route to choose when playing against someone who uses a lot of bump n' run coverage. You can save this route for a key moment late in the game because it basically has to be manually guarded in order to be stopped. I personally like to mix it up with a run play because when I motion my receiver the opponent will typically follow him. However, that's when I run the ball and usually can pick up easy gains. You can do this route out of any formation that has the outside receiver off the line. Also, you can do it to either side of the field out of many formations. For example, out of Singleback Big you can do it to either receiver because they are both off the line. It is important to know that the faster your receiver is, then the better this route will work. Many times a receiver with great speed will actually allow you to score in one play.
Singleback Offset Strong - TE Corner
Console(s)
XBOX / PS2
Playbook(s)
Oakland
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Come out in any play that has the Comeback Route in it. You could also just place that specific play in your audibles.
Step 2 - When looking to complete this pass you will first want to motion your receiver towards the offensive line and look at the defense. If the cornerback slides in towards the middle of the field when motioning the receiver, then you know it is safe to throw the pass when you motioning back. However, If the cornerback does not run alongside the receiver, then you know it is not safe to throw this route.
Step 3 - Once you've decided that it's safe to attempt the pass, then it's just a matter of timing. When motioning your receiver you will see that there are two arrows that pop up on the outside of the circled number. However, when you motion your receiver back to his original spot on the field the arrows change from two to one. The moment that the arrows change from two to one is the point that you will want to snap the ball to begin the play.
Step 4 - Take about a 2-3 yard drop with the quarterback and hold up on the directional pad while pressing the receiver's icon to deliver a strike.
Image 1 - I have come out in the Singleback Offset Strong TE Corner play. The route that I want to use to beat the bump n' run is the highlighted Comeback route that wide receiver Mark Clayton (Square) is running on the far left side of the field.
Image 2 - The defense has come out in the Nickel 2-4-5 with extra lineman dropping back into coverage in attempt to stop all areas of the field.
Image 3 - The first thing I do before beginning this play is motion my #2 receiver to the right. Notice how the corner on the far left side of this image is sliding in. and not directly running next to the receiver. Once I realize that he is sliding, then I know that I can attack that part of the field.
Image 4 - I have now motioned my receiver back to his original spot. What we want you to notice in this image is the highlighted orange circle on the left side of the screen. The circle around the #89 used to have an arrow on each side. However, once we motion the receiver back to his original spot the arrows will go from two to one. One arrow is ideally what we want to see when call hike. It doesn't have to be exact, but as you get more used to the timing of the motion you will see just how easy this throw can be.
Image 5 - As you can see the sliding corner is in no postion to bump the receiver as we snap the ball.
Image 6 - The corner is unable to bump our receiver as he begins running upfield.
Image 7 - I take about a 2-3 yard drop in the pocket with the quarterback and hold up on the directional pad while pressing the receiver's icon to place the ball in a perfect spot.
Image 8 - The receiver has his sights set on the ball as it closes in.
Image 9 - Our receiver makes the catch and prepares to try to pick up additional yardage.
Final Thoughts
The Comeback route is great to mix in with your offensive gameplan. It's very deadly because it's a route that often allows you to score in just one play. Remember, the faster your receiver is the better this route works. Consider the fact that we were using the Ravens in this tip without a single receiver over 92 speed. When this route is executed with someone like Moss it can be a lot of fun to use.
