Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Z In is a five man route concept out of Shotgun Doubles 11 personnel that stresses the middle of the field with an in breaking route from the Z. Both outside receivers push vertical seams while the slot receiver runs a deep in behind the linebackers, the backside X sits in as a shallow drag or check option, and the HB releases out of the backfield on a wide flat route to the boundary. The primary read starts with the Z In over the middle, working from the deep in to the flat route on the HB if the middle is clogged, making this a zone beater designed to split the hook defenders and hi-lo the flat to intermediate area.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check linebacker depth and spacing since shallow or tight linebacker alignment signals man coverage that opens up the deep in route against a single defender. Watch the safeties before the snap, two high shells indicate zone coverage that this play is designed to exploit by splitting the hook zone defenders with the deep in. Post-snap, track any user-controlled linebacker who might sit and lurk in the middle passing lane, since that defender can jump the deep in route if the quarterback holds the ball too long. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge or through the A gap put pressure on the quarterback before the deep in has time to develop, so check the HB flat route as a quick answer. Cover 3 with a robber underneath is the toughest shell to attack with this concept since it clogs the same middle zone the deep in route is designed to exploit.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing a two high or single high shell, since the deep in from the Z sits right in the throwing lane that Tampa 2 and Cover 3 defenses leave open between the hook defenders. Use the HB flat route as your outlet against man coverage or when the middle read is covered, especially on third and short. Hot route the backside X into a deeper route if you diagnose Cover 2 or Cover 3 to stretch the zone vertically and open up more room for the deep in. Pair this play with 45 Quick Base or Curl Flats in your play-calling sequence to keep defenders guessing between quick underneath throws and the intermediate in route. Call this on second and medium to third and medium situations where the defense is likely sitting in zone shells expecting a shorter throw.
