Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn WR Angle is a trips based passing concept run from Shotgun Empty Trips Speed with a pre snap motion adjustment on the backside receiver. The backside X runs a deep go route up the sideline while the trips side features a crossing pattern: the slot runs an angle route out of the backfield area breaking flat, the inside receiver runs a deep crossing route underneath, and the outside trips receiver runs a corner breaking route to the opposite sideline. There is no run blocking shown since this is an empty backfield, so protection is purely pass pro with all five offensive linemen staying in to block. The primary read starts with the angle route out of the trips bunch since it creates immediate separation against man coverage, then progresses to the deep crosser working against zone drops, and finally to the backside go route as a big play checkdown against blown coverage.
Defensive Reads
Pre snap, watch how the defense reacts to the motion man since a defender mirroring the motion across the formation confirms man coverage and opens up the angle route. Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, since single high leaves the deep crosser and go route vulnerable to explosive gains. Post snap, key the flat defender or nickel corner on the trips side since if he sits on the angle route it forces you to progress to the deep cross. Watch for a user controlled linebacker sitting in the middle of the field (a lurk defender), since he can jump the deep crossing route if the quarterback holds the ball too long. Cover 3 zone drops with a hard flat defender will take away the angle route quickly, so you must be ready to reset your eyes to the corner route on the outside trips receiver.
Usage Tips
Use pre snap motion to identify man versus zone before the snap, since defenders following the motion man across the formation confirm man coverage and trigger your angle route read.
Attack this play on third and short to medium distance situations where the angle route from the slot can pick up the sticks quickly against man to man matchups.
Hot route the backside X to a comeback or hitch if you are facing a two high safety shell that will squeeze the deep go route, giving you a quicker underneath option.
Pair this with Mtn WR Screen or Jailbreak Slot Screen from the same set to keep defenses honest, since both plays start with similar trips alignment and motion but attack horizontally instead of vertically.
Against aggressive man blitz packages, prioritize the angle route immediately off the snap since it beats man coverage leverage before the rush can affect the quarterback.
