Playbooks

Cross X Divide

Shotgun·Split Y-Flex·21

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This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Diagram coming soon

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetSplit Y-Flex

Personnel

212 RB · 1 TE · 2 WR

In 1 playbook

Air Raid Classic OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Cross X Divide is a man beater out of Shotgun Split Y-Flex 21 personnel that puts a deep crossing route from the X receiver as the focal point of the concept while the Y-Flex works an underneath divide route to occupy the middle linebacker. The backfield stays home in max protect or checks into a light release, giving the quarterback time to let the X develop across the field against man leverage. Primary read progression starts with the X on the deep cross, works down to the divide route sitting in the intermediate window if the cross gets picked up, and finishes with the checkdown to the back if both windows are covered.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify single high safety alignment which usually signals Cover 1 or Cover 3, both coverages this play is designed to exploit with the deep cross. Watch cornerback press alignment on the X receiver since aggressive press man will struggle to stay attached through the crossing route's traffic. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker's drop, if he sinks deep to wall off the cross the divide route underneath should be your next read. Beware Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with two deep safeties, as the deep cross runs directly into the safety's zone drop and invites a user pick. If you see a delayed blitz off the edge, get the ball out on the divide route quickly before the protection breaks down.

Usage Tips

Look for man coverage shells pre-snap such as Cover 1 or Cover 3 Man before snapping this play since the deep cross is designed to run away from man defenders trailing across the field.

Motion the flanker or use a hot route on the Y-Flex to adjust his split if the defense shows a heavy blitz look, giving your quarterback an outlet against pressure.

Best called on second and medium to second and long or third and medium when defenses are more likely to sit in man coverage to take away shorter completions.

Pair this play with Mtn Cross X Divide in your call sheet to give the same shell look with a mesh element that punishes defenders who jump the initial cross.

Sequence this play after running Y Cross or Backs Cross earlier in a series so linebackers start biting on shallow crossers, opening up the deeper cross for a big gain.