Orbit Shallow Cross

Watch how the defense reacts to the orbit motion pre-snap, a defender running with the motion man across the formation signals man coverage and opens up the shallow drag as a layup throw. If the defense stays put and shifts zone shells instead, expect underneath defenders to widen with the flat route, which opens throwing lanes for the deep crosser working across the middle. Be alert for a user controlled linebacker sitting in a lurk spot over the shallow cross, since that defender can jump the underneath throw if the quarterback stares it down too long. Cover 3 with a hard flat defender can squeeze the flat route and shallow drag into a crowded window, so identify single high safety looks pre-snap and lean on the corner route or deep crosser instead. Blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge can be countered by the quick developing shallow route, so if you see a nano blitz alignment pre-snap, get the ball out fast to the shallow crosser or flat route before pressure arrives.