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Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Slant Flat out of Shotgun Doubles Offset attacks the boundary with a quick two-level combo. To the field side, the outside receiver runs a slant while the inside slot receiver releases to the flat underneath, creating a natural pick and stretch combo against man or zone. The backside receiver runs a deep crossing route (shown in red) that clears the middle of the field and gives the QB a wheel/drag outlet if the primary side is jumped. This is a quick-game man and zone beater designed to get the ball out fast, with the slant/flat combo as the first read and the crossing route as the deep progression against blitz or busted coverage.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and corner alignment on the slant side. Tight man coverage with no safety help over the top signals the slant will be open immediately. Watch for a linebacker sitting in the flat zone. If he stays flat-footed, throw the slant behind him. If he jumps the flat route, hit the slant into the void he vacates. Key the middle linebacker's drop on the snap. A shallow drop into a hook zone can jump the crossing route, so be ready to check down to the flat if he sinks too fast. Cover 3 defenses are vulnerable to the slant since the corner sinks deep and the underneath zone defender has to choose between the flat and the slant window. Against Cover 4 or Cover 2 Man, watch for a user-controlled defender sitting in the throwing lane of the slant. If he jumps it, the flat route or crossing route becomes the answer.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs or third and short since the slant/flat combo hits within 1-2 seconds and is nearly automatic against Cover 3 and Cover 4.
Pre-snap, identify if the corner over the slant is playing outside leverage. If he is sitting inside, hot route the flat defender to a fade or hitch to attack the vacated space.
Against man coverage, throw the slant immediately off the snap since the flat route occupies the underneath defender and opens a natural rub.
If the defense shows a two-high shell, target the backside crossing route since safeties rotating late will leave the middle of the field open for a big gain.
Pair this play with Double Slants or Spot Dbl Slant in the same set to keep defenders guessing between quick slant combos and flat-breaking concepts, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their zone drops.
