Playbooks

Y Cross

Shotgun·Empty Base·11
CrosserY CrossPass Play
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 2 playbooks

Air Raid Classic OffenseOffenseSuperstar HB Receiving

Breakdown

Y Cross out of Shotgun Empty Base is a classic man beater built around the tight end running a deep crossing route from one side of the formation all the way to the opposite numbers. Since this is an empty backfield look, all five eligible receivers release into routes immediately, creating natural picks and rubs against man coverage while stretching zone defenders horizontally. The primary read progression starts with the Y Cross (TE) working across the field, then works to the underneath crosser or drag route sitting in the void behind it, before checking down to the flat or shallow option on the backside if both are covered.

Defensive Reads

Watch for a single high safety pre-snap, which signals Cover 1 or Cover 3 and opens the window for the Y Cross to run through the intermediate zone untouched. Identify if a linebacker or nickel defender is spying the crossing route, since a user-controlled lurk defender sitting in the middle can jump the throw if you do not manipulate him with your eyes or a pump fake. Two deep safeties with squatting corners indicates Cover 2 or Cover 4, which can clog the crossing lane, so be ready to check down to the underneath option instead of forcing the Y Cross. Look for late blitz disguises off the edge, since empty formations invite pressure and Y Cross needs a full three to four count to develop, making a hot route or quick game answer necessary against Bear fronts or nano blitzes. Man coverage with no help over the top is the biggest green light, especially if the defense is in Cover 0 or man match concepts, since the natural rub from the formation creates instant separation for the tight end.

Usage Tips

Check the middle of the field pre-snap for a single high safety, since that shell tells you Y Cross has a clean crossing lane against man or Cover 3 drops.

If the defense shows Cover 2 or Cover 4 with two deep safeties, hot route the underneath crosser to sit down as a zone beater and target the soft spot between the linebackers and safeties.

Use motion or a quick glance at the slot corner alignment to confirm man coverage, then trust the Y Cross to win on the rub against trailing defenders.

Pair this play with Stick or Curl Flats in your play-calling sequence so the defense has to respect both a quick game and a deep crossing shot from the same empty formation.

This play shines on second and long or third and medium since the deep cross develops with enough time to fully clear the linebacker level, so make sure your protection or quick pump fakes buy that time against pressure.

Other Plays in Empty Base