Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Smash out of Shotgun Ace Slot Offset is a classic Cover 2 beater built on the high-low read to the strong side. The outside receiver runs a hitch at the sticks while the slot receiver stacks a corner route behind it, stretching the flat defender and deep half safety vertically and horizontally. On the backside the receiver runs a deep dig across the middle, the inline TE runs a quick out, and the RB releases into a flat route out of the backfield as a checkdown, giving you both a high-low read and a full-field progression against zone or man.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, look at the corner and safety depth on the smash side. If the corner is sitting at five yards and the safety is shaded outside, that is textbook Cover 2 and the corner route should win over the top. Post-snap, key the flat defender: if he sinks with the corner route the hitch is open underneath, if he jumps the hitch the corner route has a clear throwing lane. Watch for a user controlled safety lurking the deep half, since a good user will rob the corner route and force you to work the backside dig or the RB in the flat. Against man coverage, especially Cover 1 or Cover 3 man, the backside dig becomes the primary answer since it clears the middle of the field away from the smash concept. Beware disguised Cover 3 buzz looks where the corner sinks into the deep third, taking away the corner throw and making the hitch or checkdown to the RB your safest outlet.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify the deep safety alignment to confirm Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells since this concept is purpose built to attack the flat defender and safety on the smash side. If you see press man on the outside receiver, hot route the hitch into a slant or fade to avoid a jam at the line. Use this on 2nd and medium to 3rd and long, since the corner route and dig both need room to develop past the sticks. Combine with RPO X Smoke or RPO Alert Bubble on early downs to keep defenders honest on the same formation look before hitting them with the smash concept on a predictable passing down. If the defense starts sitting on the corner route, pair this call with China Double In or Levels Y Sail from the same set to attack underneath zones with high low reads on the opposite hash.
