Playbooks

64 X Slice U Cross

Shotgun·Ace Slot Offset·12

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

64 X Slice U Cross is a play-action rollout concept out of Shotgun Ace Slot Offset that uses the U tight end on a deep crossing route to attack the middle of the field while X runs a slice route underneath to hold off flat defenders. The blocking scheme sells inside zone action before releasing protection outside on the rollout, buying the quarterback extra time to climb the pocket edge. This is primarily a man beater since the crossing route creates natural separation against man leverage, and the primary read progression starts with the U cross, works to the X slice as the underneath check down, and finishes with any late-developing flat or checkdown option to the running back.

Defensive Reads

Identify if the defense shows man coverage pre-snap through tight corner alignment on the slot receivers, since the U cross thrives against man leverage. Watch the middle linebacker depth at the snap, a shallow drop signals zone coverage and you should look to the X slice as the higher percentage throw. Key on any user-controlled defender flowing toward the rollout side, if he commits hard to the run fake you have a clean throwing lane to the U cross. Look for a lurking safety or linebacker sitting in the deep middle hole, which is the classic counter to this crossing route and will bait a turnover if you force the throw. Recognize blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge away from the rollout, since the play design naturally escapes that pressure and rewards patience in the pocket.

Usage Tips

Call this on early downs or third and medium when you have shown inside zone or HB Punch from this formation to keep the defense honest on run fits.

Check the pre-snap safety alignment, if you see a single high safety cheating toward the boundary, the U cross has room to work against the vacated middle.

Use the rollout action to buy time against edge pressure, but be ready to hot route the U cross to a shallow drag if you see a spy or hook defender sitting underneath.

Pair this play with RPO Alert Bubble or RPO X Smoke earlier in a series so the defense respects the quick game and bites on run action, opening the deep cross window.

Avoid calling this against heavy zone shells like 2 Man Under or pattern match unless you can hot route X into a deeper clear out route to open the cross lane.

Other Plays in Ace Slot Offset