Playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn Divide is a Shotgun Bunch TE concept that splits the bunch into a vertical divide package. Off the bunch, one receiver runs a deep vertical up the left sideline while a second receiver runs a deep in breaking route to the middle of the field, creating a high low vertical stretch on the same side. The lone receiver on the play side runs a short flat route to hold underneath defenders, while the running back releases into the boundary on a shallow flat route as a checkdown and man beater. This is a route combo built to attack man and cover 3 shells, with the primary read progression going deep in first, then to the vertical, and finally checking down to the running back in the flat.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify safety depth and leverage over the bunch, since a single high safety signals cover 3 and a rotated shell signals cover 1 or cover 4. Watch the defender aligned over the motion man, since man coverage defenders will mirror the motion across the formation while zone defenders stay put. Post-snap, key the flat defender's drop, since a hard sink into the deep in route's window forces the quarterback to hold the ball and creates a sack opportunity. User the deep middle linebacker or lurking safety to jump the deep in route, as that is the primary progression read and the most vulnerable window against cover 3 sink drops. Look for a nickel or slot corner blitzing off the bunch, since the running back's flat route becomes the immediate answer and defenders sitting on that route can bait a quick interception.
Usage Tips
Motion the bunch pre-snap to identify man versus zone before the snap, since a defender following the motion man confirms man coverage and opens up the deep in route against a trailing linebacker.
Use this play on second and long or third and medium situations where a defense is likely to sit in cover 3 or cover 4, since the deep in route settles in the honey hole against those shells.
If the safety rotates hard to the vertical sideline route, hot route the flat receiver into a deeper option route to occupy the vacated middle zone.
Pair this play with Mtn HB Swing or Mtn Read Option out of the same set to keep linebackers hesitant on run fits, then hit them with the divide concept once they start cheating up.
Check the running back flat route immediately versus disguised blitzes, since it is the fastest developing throw and protects against free rushers off a nano blitz look.
