Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Double Slants from Shotgun Normal Y Off lines up two receivers running quick slants from the left side while the TE runs a corner-breaking slant from the right, and the outside receiver on the right runs a deep clear out route to occupy the boundary corner. The backside route pattern gives the QB a natural low to high or leverage read against man or zone since all three inside routes cross the middle at different depths. This is a quick game man beater and zone beater built for fast timing throws, with no play-action or RPO tag attached, and the deep clear out on the right stretches the field to open passing lanes underneath. Primary progression starts with the inside slant from the number two receiver on the left, then works to the TE slant, then back to the outside slant if the shell rotates late.
Defensive Reads
Look at the cornerback alignment on the left side receivers before the snap, since tight press alignment signals man coverage that struggles against the natural rub created by stacked slants. Watch the middle linebacker depth at the snap, because if he sinks into a zone drop immediately he is likely reading the TE slant and will jump the route if you telegraph the throw. Key the safety rotation after the snap, since a safety rotating down to the strong side signals Cover 3 or Cover 1 rotation which opens up the backside slant against a lone cornerback. Beware of any user controlled defender sitting in the shallow crossing lane, as a lurking linebacker or nickel defender can jump the inside slant route if the quarterback stares it down too long. Against Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells this play struggles since underneath zone defenders can sit on both slant routes, so check for two deep safeties presnap and consider an alternate concept if the shell does not rotate.
Usage Tips
Use this on third and short or second and medium when defenses expect a run or a screen since the quick slants get the ball out before pressure arrives.
Presnap identify if the defense is showing two high safeties or a single high shell, because against single high the TE slant working to the middle of the field will have more room against man coverage.
Hot route the outside receiver on the right into a hitch or quick out if you see a corner sitting on the deep clear out route, since that clear out is only there to open space underneath.
Pair this play with Slants or Slant Flat in your play calling sequence to keep defenses guessing on which slant combo you are running, since the route concepts look nearly identical presnap.
Throw the first inside slant with anticipation right off the snap against man coverage, since any hesitation lets the defender close the throwing window created by the natural rub between the two left side receivers.
