Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mesh Post is a man beater out of Shotgun Bunch 11 personnel that combines a classic mesh concept with a vertical post from the backside X. From the bunch, one receiver runs a shallow crossing route (the red mesh route) that sits underneath while another bunch receiver runs a mirrored crosser going the opposite direction, creating a natural traffic jam for man defenders. The backside X receiver runs a deep post to attack the middle of the field, the inside bunch receiver climbs a corner route up the seam, and the running back releases into a check release flare out of the backfield. Primary read progression starts with the deep post if the safety bites down on the mesh, then works down to the mesh crossers for the rub against man coverage, and finally checks down to the RB flare if nothing opens up.
Defensive Reads
Watch the free safety depth before the snap. If he is shallow or cheating toward the bunch, expect the post route to be wide open since there is no help over the top. Identify man versus zone by seeing if defenders align in trail technique on the bunch receivers or if they are backpedaling into zone drops at the snap. User the deep safety to the post route and let your linebackers or a spy handle any RB checkdown, since the post is the primary explosive threat. Look for a nano blitz or interior pressure package. If the offensive line shows a heavy protection call, expect the mesh crossers to be the quick answer against the extra rusher. Cover 3 and Cover 1 with aggressive underneath linebackers are the most vulnerable shells. Cover 2 or Cover 4 with a true deep half safety over the post can shut this play down if the corner route is also taken away in the seam.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs or second and medium when you expect man coverage, since the mesh crossers thrive on picking off man defenders in space.
Pre-snap, check the corner alignment on the bunch. If you see press man or a single high safety showing Cover 1 or Cover 3, the post has a strong chance to hit for explosive yardage.
Hot route the RB to a hitch or stick if you diagnose a blitz, since the mesh concept naturally holds defenders and needs an extra half second of protection.
Pair this play with Mesh Spot or Bunch Sail earlier in a drive so defenders start jumping the underneath crossers, then come back to Mesh Post to hit the post over the top once safeties cheat down.
Against zone shells, prioritize the corner route from the inside bunch receiver since it settles into soft spots between the flat and deep third defenders.
