How to Set Up Clearout FL In
Simple one-play bomb against cover three. Gun bunch wide formation — clearout FL in concept. Found in tons of playbooks, different formations.
Here's the setup:
- Formation: Gun bunch wide
- Outside right receiver: Comeback route
- Running back: Launch deep
- Backside receiver (optional): Drag route for checkdown
You need TIME for this. Every bomb needs time to develop. Sometimes you won't get it — keep that in mind. But when you do? Easy one-play score.
When to Use This Concept
Cover three situations. That's it.
Look for:
- Two safeties deep, corners playing outside leverage
- Middle linebacker dropping to cover hook zone
- Opponent showing three-deep shell pre-snap
DON'T use against:
- Cover two — safeties will bracket your back
- Blitz packages — you need protection time
- Cover one robber — middle defender will jump the drag
Why This Works Against Cover Three
Cover three has a hole. Always.
The comeback route pulls the corner OUT of his deep zone. He has to respect that route breaking at 12-15 yards. Meanwhile, your running back is attacking the seam behind the linebacker, in front of the safety.
Timing window opens up around 3-4 seconds. Safety can't get there fast enough if you throw with anticipation.
The drag route? Insurance. Gives you something underneath if the pocket collapses early. Also pulls a linebacker away from the seam.
The Route Combination
Comeback + seam = cover three killer.
Corner has to choose: jump the comeback or stay deep for the seam. He can't do both. Running back attacks that choice.
Most players bite on the comeback. They see that route developing first, jump it, leave the back wide open over the top.
Step-by-Step Execution
Pre-snap:
- Gun bunch wide formation
- Identify cover three (two deep safeties, corners outside)
- Hot route outside receiver to comeback
- Optional: drag route on backside receiver
Post-snap:
- Quick glance at comeback route
- Eyes to running back on seam
- Throw with ANTICIPATION — don't wait for separation
- Ball placement: inside shoulder, lead him upfield
Timing: 3.5-4 seconds from snap to release. Any longer and you're taking a sack.
What Counters This Play
Smart opponents adjust. Here's what they'll do:
Cover two: Bracket the running back with both safeties. Game over for this concept.
Blitz: Send extra rushers, force quick throw before routes develop.
Robber coverage: Drop middle linebacker or safety into the throwing lane.
Man coverage with help: Corner follows the comeback, safety sits on the running back.
When you see these adjustments? Move to something else. Don't force it.
Common Mistakes
Staring down the running back. Defense sees it coming from snap. Look at the comeback first — sell that route.
Throwing too late. Window closes fast in cover three. Throw before the back makes his break.
Wrong ball placement. Don't throw it behind him or outside. Inside shoulder, lead upfield toward the goal line.
No protection adjustments. If they're bringing heat, slide protect or keep tight ends in. Can't execute without time.
Forcing it into coverage. Sometimes the drag route is the right read. Take what they give you.
Alternative Setups
Same concept works from:
- Trips formations — slot receiver on comeback, back on seam
- I-form — fullback lead blocks, halfback runs seam
- Shotgun spread — any outside receiver can run comeback
Key is the CONCEPT: comeback route to pull coverage, seam route to attack the void.
Don't get married to one formation. Defense adjusts, you adjust back.
Practice Tips
Work on timing in practice mode. Set defense to cover three, run it over and over until the timing clicks.
Practice the drag route checkdown too. Sometimes that's your best option — take the easy yards, live to fight another down.
Most important: recognize when NOT to use it. One-trick ponies get shut down fast.