Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mesh Post out of Shotgun 5WR Tight sends the two inside receivers on a classic mesh concept, crossing shallow underneath to rub off man defenders, while the backside slot runs a deep post to attack the middle of the field behind the mesh traffic. The two outside receivers run vertical routes up the boundary, with the far side receiver breaking to a corner route to occupy the deep quarter and clear space for the post. This is a man beater built to create natural picks at the mesh point, and the primary read progression starts with the mesh crossers underneath, then works to the deep post if a linebacker or safety bites down on the shallow routes.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and count defenders in the box, since a single high safety indicates man coverage underneath and opens the post route as the primary answer. Watch cornerback alignment on the outside receivers, tight press man coverage tells you the mesh crossers will win easily against trailing defenders. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker's drop, if he sits and does not commit to the mesh crossers, the post route will be tightly covered and you should check down to the underneath routes instead. This play struggles against Cover 3 or Cover 4 zone shells with disciplined linebackers who sink into the mesh area, since zone defenders can sit in the crossing lanes without needing to run with a man. Look for user-controlled defenders lurking in the shallow zone, if the user jumps the mesh crossers early, hit the post route on rhythm before the deep safety can rotate over.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing man coverage with tight press alignment on the outside receivers, since the mesh crossers will create natural rubs and separation against man defenders. If you see a single high safety shell, key the post route as your primary answer since the mesh traffic underneath will hold linebackers and clear the middle of the field. Use hot routes to convert the corner route into a shorter out or hitch if you are facing a Cover 2 shell that keeps two defenders deep, since the post and corner combo can get squeezed. Attack this play on second and medium to second and long, where defenses are more likely to sit in man coverage or single high looks rather than heavy zone drops. Pair this with Slot Dig Wide Corner or Smash Dagger from the same set to keep defenses guessing between mesh crossers and vertical shots, since both plays share similar route stems that disguise your intent pre-snap.
