Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Cheat Post Slot Cross is a bunch-based pass concept out of Shotgun Bunch Wide Nasty that sends the outside receiver on a deep post while the two inside bunch receivers work a slot cross and dig combo underneath and across the middle. The inline blocker to the bunch side runs a corner-breaking route that flattens outside, and the running back stays in to protect on a check release along the line of scrimmage. This is a man beater built to stress the seam and middle of the field, with the post stretching the deep safety and the crosser working underneath any trailing man defenders, so the primary read progression starts with the deep post, moves to the crosser working across the field, and settles on the check release out of the backfield if both are covered.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and leverage: a single high safety cheating toward the bunch side signals Cover 3 or Cover 1, both of which the post is designed to attack. Watch for a corner sitting outside the bunch with no help underneath, which tells you man coverage is likely and the crosser will have room to work against trailing defenders. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker's drop: if he sinks deep into the crosser's lane, that indicates zone coverage and you should look to the post or check release instead. Look for a user-controlled defender jumping the crosser route early, since that lurk threat is the biggest risk to this concept and can bait a turnover if the quarterback stares it down. Cover 2 shells with two deep safeties tend to shut this play down since the post has no room to work, so avoid calling this against clear two-high pre-snap alignments.
Usage Tips
Use this play on second or third and medium when you expect single-high safety looks or man coverage on the bunch alignment.
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing Cover 3 or Cover 1: the post route punishes a single deep safety who has to choose between the post and the corner route breaking outside.
If you see man coverage with no deep help, prioritize the post first since bunch alignments create natural rub opportunities that spring the receiver open against tight man technique.
Hot route the running back into a quick flare if you see a blitz look, since he is your check release valve and needs an outlet against pressure.
Pair this play with Cheat Wheel Post or Cheat Drag Rub Crosser from the same set to keep defenses guessing between wheel and slot cross concepts out of the same bunch look.
