Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 15 playbooks
Breakdown
Cheat Slot Cross is a bunch spread pass concept out of Shotgun 11 personnel that stresses the middle and deep third of the field with a three level crossing combo. The outside receiver runs a deep crosser to the far sideline, the inside bunch receiver breaks off a shorter dig style cross underneath, and the third bunch receiver clears out over the top with a deep corner route toward the boundary. The primary read progression starts with the shallow crosser working across the field for a quick access throw against man coverage, then climbs to the deep crosser sitting behind linebackers as the zone beater, with the deep corner as the last resort shot play against single high looks.
Defensive Reads
Identify single high safety alignment pre-snap since that tips a Cover 1 or Cover 3 shell, which opens the deep corner route as a big play threat. Watch for two deep safeties splitting the field evenly, that usually signals Cover 2 or Cover 4 and forces you to prioritize the underneath crossers instead of the deep shot. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker drop depth, a shallow drop means he is sitting on the underneath crosser and you should climb the progression to the deep route. Look for a user controlled defender sitting in the intermediate crossing lane, that lurk threat can jump the shallow cross so be ready to pump through to the deep corner or crosser instead. This concept struggles against disguised zone blitzes where the underneath crosser runs into a vacated hot zone, so recognize pressure indicators and get the ball out on the first available crosser before the pocket collapses.
Usage Tips
Check the pre-snap safety alignment before the snap, single high shells open up the deep corner route as a shot play while two high shells push you toward the underneath crosser.
Use the bunch alignment to create natural rub traffic against man coverage, the crossers will pick off trailing defenders and create easy separation.
On third and medium situations lean on the shallow crosser as a high percentage conversion throw since it clears space quickly against both man and zone drops.
Pair this play with Mtn Slot Under or Mtn Snag Under in your call sheet sequencing so the defense has to respect both quick underneath crossers and the deeper developing routes, keeping linebackers honest.
Motion the bunch receiver pre-snap to diagnose man versus zone coverage, if a defender follows the motion man you know it is man and the crossers become your primary answer all game.
