Playbooks

Y Cross

Shotgun·Split Slot Open·20
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 1 playbook

Air Raid Classic OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Y Cross out of Shotgun Split Slot Open is a classic man beater built around the tight end or slot receiver running a deep crossing route from one side of the formation all the way to the opposite numbers. The route combo typically stacks a shallow drag or flat route underneath the cross to create a natural rub against man coverage while giving zone defenders conflicting horizontal stress. Protection is a standard five or six man slide scheme with the running back releasing late to the flat, so the primary progression is the crosser working across the field first, then working down to the underneath flat or drag route if the linebackers sink deep enough to cut off the cross.

Defensive Reads

Identify whether the defense is playing man or zone by watching the slot corner's initial footwork at the snap, if he opens his hips and runs with the crosser it is man and you should let the route work across the field fully. Look for a hook or curl zone linebacker sitting in the middle of the field, that defender is the key lurk threat who can undercut the crosser if he reads the quarterback's eyes early. Check post-snap for a user controlled safety rotating down late, that usually signals a disguised Cover 3 or Cover 1 look meant to bait you into throwing the cross into a trap. Cover 2 with sinking linebackers and two deep safeties can clog the middle of the field and force you to check down to the flat route underneath. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge complicate the crosser's timing since the route takes longer to develop, so have a quick checkdown or hot route ready if you see six or more defenders showing pressure pre-snap.

Usage Tips

Use this play on second and medium to second and long when you have space to let the crosser develop over three to four seconds. Check the middle of the field pre-snap; if you see MOFO shells with two deep safeties, the crosser has room to work into the void behind the linebackers. If the defense shows man coverage with a single high safety, hot route your outside receiver into a quick slant or speed out to hold the flat defender and prevent him from sitting on the cross. Combine this with 46 Y Cross or Mtn Y Cross earlier in a series so the defense starts keying the crosser, then counter with PA Y Cross to hit the same window off play action once linebackers start jumping the route. Against aggressive man blitz teams, snap it quick and trust the rub concept to spring the crosser open before the pass rush closes the pocket.

Other Plays in Split Slot Open