Z-Curl is a concept that features a Curl route as the primary receiver, usually run by the Z receiver (not always!). The route is the point of a triangle read, created by a flat/swing route and usually a Shallow from the opposite side. This play conflicts the flat window to the passing strength.
The Curl breaks at about 12 yards. When called to the wide side of the field, it sets up at the inside edge of the numbers. To the boundary, the landmark is the outside edge of the numbers.
If the hook player cheats for width to get under the Curl window, the Jaguars replaced him with either a Check Burst out of the back field or a Shallow.
A major benefit of Z-Curl vs the more traditional Hank concept is the ability to occupy the cover 4 safety with a Thru route. In Hank, the safeties can drive down on the Curl routes.
The Jaguars put out some good tape of Z Curl. Sound play design to open up the Curl routes, with built in answers.
The first example shows a 2x2 version with the running back bumped out. The running back draws the attention of the flat player, and Lawrence rips the Curl on 3 & a hitch timing from shot gun.
The tight end is the hook replacement, working on a Chip Shallow. This could be a Check Shallow, but that determination can not be made on film as the defense only rushes four.
The next diagram shows fast motion to get to the Curl route. This is a great way to help manufacture a clean release and create an uncontested break point for the primary route.
The defense plays man coverage in this clip. The Curl is matched well, and the safety helps on the Thru route. The Burst is able to separate on time. Great clip to show how the progression has multiple answers for each coverage family.
The remainder of the article diagrams three more variations. It also includes a 6-clip cutup of the best examples from the 2025 Jaguars
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