Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Slants out of Pistol Weak Slot Open sends three receivers on quick slant routes from the left side while the inline tight end runs a deep crosser to the opposite side of the field, converting into a shallow drag from the backfield out of the slot. The backside X runs a slant that bends into a deep crossing route, giving the quarterback a horizontal stretch read against zone drops. This is a classic man beater built on quick separation and rub concepts, with the HB releasing into a shallow route underneath to give the quarterback a check down against blitz pressure. Primary read progression starts with the two stacked slants to the left (outside in), then works to the deep cross coming from the right side, with the HB shallow as the final checkdown.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the cornerbacks are in press man or sitting off in zone, since press man is vulnerable to the slant and rub combo on the left side. Watch the slot cornerback and nickel defender depth, if they are shaded outside expecting a fade or out route, the inside slant will open immediately. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker's drop, if he sinks too deep into a zone drop the shallow HB route and quick slants will sit in the void underneath. Look for a user-controlled defender lurking near the deep crossing route, since that is the primary counter to this concept in zone coverage. Cover 2 with hard-flowing safeties can undercut the slants if the corners squeeze the route stems, so watch for cornerbacks sinking into the throwing lane before committing to the first read.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs or third and short when you expect man coverage, since the rub concept from the stacked slants creates natural picks against man defenders. Pre-snap, check for single high safety looks or Cover 1 press alignment, that is when the slants hit fastest before underneath defenders can react. If the defense shows a hard blitz, hot route the HB to a quick flat or check him down immediately since he is your outlet against pressure. Pair this with Y Cross or Shallow Cross in the same set to keep defenders guessing between quick slant timing and deeper crossing patterns, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their drops. Against Cover 3 or Cover 4 zone shells, work the deep cross route first since it will find the seam between the underneath zone and deep defenders.
