What is Post Curl?
Post Curl is one of the easiest plays to master in College Football 26. Works against everything — man, zone, blitzes. Perfect for dynasty mode, ultimate team, or beating your friends.
Formation: Gunwing Trips (Appalachian State playbook)
Play: Post Curl
This play shows up in TONS of playbooks. You'll find it everywhere. The magic happens when you make two quick adjustments that turn a decent play into an unstoppable weapon.
How to Set Up Post Curl
Step 1: Put Your ISO Receiver on a Drag
- Find your isolated wide receiver on the LEFT side
- Press Y button (wire triangle)
- Select that receiver
- Put him on a DRAG route
Step 2: Custom Stem the Outside Receiver
- Look at the outside wide receiver on the RIGHT
- Press Y button (wire triangle)
- Select him
- Hold LEFT BUMPER
- Press UP on D-pad ONE TIME
That's it. Two adjustments. Takes three seconds.
Why Post Curl Destroys Defenses
This play attacks BOTH man and zone coverage:
Against Man Coverage: The cross action confuses defenders. Your drag route pulls his man across the formation — creates picks and confusion.
Against Zone: You're hitting the soft spots. The high-low concept on the right sideline puts zone defenders in impossible situations.
Against Blitzes: Your tight end is already blocking. Plus the drag and flat routes develop FAST. Defense sends extra rushers? Hit the quick stuff.
How to Read Post Curl
Keep it simple. Three reads max:
- High-low the right sideline — flat route first, then curl route
- Hit the drag — works great in the pocket between linebackers
- Post route last — only against specific man coverages
Your Progression
Always start with the flat route. Quick, easy yards. If it's covered, look to the curl route right above it. Same side, different level.
If the right side is locked down, work back to that drag route. He's crossing into open space — perfect safety valve.
The post route? Forget about it most of the time. Only throw it if you see man coverage and he's clearly open.
When to Use Post Curl
Perfect situations:
- Third and medium (4-8 yards)
- When defense is playing tight coverage
- Against blitz-heavy opponents
- When you need consistent, reliable yards
- Red zone situations
Avoid when:
- You need BIG yards (15+ yards)
- Defense is playing way off coverage
- Clock management situations where you need quick incompletions
What Beats Post Curl Defense
Not much. That's why it's so good.
Cover 2 Man: The drag route kills it. Linebackers can't cover that crossing action.
Cover 3: High-low the right side. Curl route sits right in the soft spot.
Quarters Coverage: Flat route is wide open underneath.
Blitzes: Quick throws beat the rush every time.
Common Post Curl Mistakes
Mistake #1: Staring Down the Post Route
Don't do it. That post route is your LAST option. Start with the easy stuff — flat and curl.
Mistake #2: Forcing Throws
Sometimes the flat defender does weird stuff against different coverages. Don't panic. Don't force it. Move to your next read.
Mistake #3: Poor Ball Placement
Your QB needs to hit receivers IN THE CHEST. If you're sailing passes high, these routes get picked off. Lead receivers properly.
Mistake #4: Not Using the Drag
That drag route is MONEY. It works in that pocket between linebackers. Don't sleep on it.
Advanced Post Curl Tips
Mix It With Runs: Gunwing Trips has solid run game too. Keep defense honest.
Check Protection: If you're seeing heat, slide protection toward the blitz. Gives you extra time for routes to develop.
Watch Flat Defenders: Different coverages match up weird sometimes. If the flat route looks funky, trust your eyes and move on.
Use Motion: Send that drag receiver in motion before the snap. Helps you identify man vs zone coverage.
Why Post Curl Works in Every Game Mode
Dynasty Mode: Consistent yards, builds QB confidence, works with any skill level receivers.
Ultimate Team: Doesn't require elite players to be effective. Good route running helps, but not necessary.
Online Head-to-Head: People can't stop what they can't predict. High-low concepts are hard to defend.
Easy to learn, impossible to stop, works everywhere. That's Post Curl.