Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn Cross Post is a motion-based passing concept out of Shotgun Bunch X Nasty with 11 personnel. Pre-snap motion brings the bunch receiver across the formation on a fast drag toward the sideline, while the post-snap route combo features a deep post crossing over a corner route from the opposite bunch receiver, with a shallow drag underneath sitting near the line to occupy linebackers. This is a man beater built on the crossing action to create natural rub picks, and the primary read progression starts with the deep post against single high safety looks before working down to the underneath crosser and finally the motion man in the flat.
Defensive Reads
Watch the safety alignment before the snap, a single high safety signals man coverage underneath and opens up the post route as the top read. Track the motion man closely, if a linebacker or slot corner mirrors the motion across the field that confirms man coverage and the crossing routes will have natural picks. Key on the flat defender and any underneath zone drop, a sinking linebacker into the shallow crosser lane can jump the underneath route and bait a quick throw. This play struggles against Cover 3 sky or Cover 4 match zone where the deep post runs into a rotating safety, so be ready to check down to the shallow crosser or the flat route on the motion man. Look for a nano blitz off the edge, since the protection with 11 personnel leaves the tackle handling one on one blocks and a blitzer can force an early throw before the post fully develops.
Usage Tips
Use the pre-snap motion to confirm man coverage by watching if a defender follows the motion man across the formation.
If the safety rotates to single high before the snap, snap it immediately and hit the post route on the deep crossing action.
Against zone shells with two deep safeties, check down quickly to the shallow crosser since the post window will be tighter.
Pair this play with Mtn Mesh Cross or Mtn China Cross in your play-calling sequence so defenses cannot key on the same crossing action every snap.
Best used on second and medium or third and medium when you need a quick answer against man coverage but still want an explosive shot play available.
