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Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Quick Slant out of I Form Slot Open is a quick game man beater built around a hard inside slant from the outside receiver at the top of the screen, with the slot receiver running a corner route to clear space and the backside X running a deep comeback to hold the corner. The fullback releases out of the backfield on a wheel route while the HB stays in to help protect, giving the quarterback a fast three level stretch to one side. The primary read is the slant first, working outside in from the corner route to the comeback if the slant window is jumped, making this an ideal quick trigger play against man coverage and blitz looks.
Defensive Reads
Press man corners at the line are the biggest threat to this play, jamming the slant receiver disrupts the timing and forces a late throw. Watch for a user controlled linebacker sitting in the shallow slant window, that lurk defender can jump the route and bait a pick six if the quarterback throws on rhythm without checking depth. Cover 3 zone with a fast flowing curl-flat defender can undercut the slant, so look to layer the throw or work the corner route as the counter read. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge play into this design since the slant develops quickly, use the FB wheel as a checkdown outlet if the pocket collapses. Two high safety shells with soft corners signal an easy completion, but if the defense shows Cover 2 with hard flat defenders sitting on the slant, look to the comeback route on the backside instead.
Usage Tips
Fire this play off quickly against blitz-heavy pre-snap looks since the slant hits fast and negates extra pass rushers.
Check safety depth before the snap, if you see two high safeties sitting deep the slant window against man corners will be wide open underneath.
Use the corner route from the slot as your first hot key against off man coverage, it clears the underneath defender and creates natural rub leverage for the slant.
Pair this with HB Draw or HB Blast from the same set to keep linebackers honest on early downs, then hit Quick Slant once they start creeping up expecting run.
Best called on 2nd and short or 3rd and short, the timing and route depth are designed for a fast, low risk conversion rather than an explosive shot play.
