Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Z Spot is a Cover 3 beater out of Bunch Open Offset that combines a spot concept from the bunch with an isolated corner route from the backside X receiver. From the bunch, one receiver runs a corner route to the flag, another sits down in the spot/hook area underneath, and the third receiver runs a quick out to the flat, while the backside X releases vertically then breaks into a corner route with a defender shown blitzing off the edge on that side. This is a designed pass play built to attack the void between the flat defender and hook defender in zone coverage, with the primary read progressing from the spot route underneath to the flat route, then working backside to the isolated corner route against Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check for two deep safeties versus one high safety since a single high shell tells you Cover 3 is likely in play, which is exactly what this concept is designed to attack. Watch the cornerback depth on the backside X receiver, because a corner playing tight man coverage with no safety help over the top makes the isolated corner route very vulnerable. Post-snap, key the flat defender and hook defender on the bunch side, since if either one jumps the spot route early it opens a throwing lane to the flat or corner route behind them. Look for a user controlled defender sitting in the shallow zone as a lurk threat, this play can get picked off if a rover sits on the spot route, so be ready to move to the flat or corner route quickly. Be alert for a blitz off the edge on the backside as shown in the diagram, if the protection cannot account for that rusher you need a fast progression read or a quick checkdown to avoid a negative play.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing a three deep shell since this concept is purpose built to exploit the seam between flat and hook defenders in Cover 3.
Check the backside corner alignment before the snap because if the corner is playing off with outside leverage the isolated corner route on the X can be a big play against zone or man.
Hot route the spot runner into a quicker sit if you are seeing a fast linebacker flow to that side, since the spot needs to settle in the throwing window before the underneath defenders can close.
Use this play on second and medium or third and short to medium distance since the spot route gives you a high percentage completion while the corner routes threaten deep if the defense sells out on the underneath throw.
Pair Z Spot with Flood or Wheel Mills from this same set so the defense has to respect both the underneath spot window and the vertical shots, making your play calling less predictable series to series.
