Playbooks

Mtn Cross X Divide

Shotgun·Split Y-Flex·21
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

Mtn Cross X Divide is a mountain-concept route combo out of Shotgun Split Y-Flex 21 personnel that stresses the middle of the field with a deep crossing route paired with a divide concept from the X receiver working outside the numbers. The design pairs an over the middle crosser with two vertical stems on the outside to stretch zone defenders horizontally while creating natural rub and separation against man coverage. This is primarily a man beater thanks to the crosser picking off trailing defenders, though it holds up against zone if the linebackers bite on the underneath flow, and the primary read progression starts with the deep cross working across the field before working back outside to the divide routes if the middle is clogged.

Defensive Reads

Read the middle linebacker depth immediately after the snap, if he sits shallow the crosser will have a soft spot to settle into against zone coverage. Watch for a user controlled defender sitting in a lurk technique in the intermediate middle, this is the primary threat that can jump the crossing route and bait a turnover. Identify cover 3 shells presnap since the deep cross can be tracked all the way across the field by a rotating flat to deep third defender, in that case work the divide routes to the boundary instead. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the ideal shell to attack, the crosser will pick off trailing defenders and create natural separation against man to man leverage. Watch for disguised blitzes off the edge that come with a late linebacker drop, this can eliminate the quarterback's window to throw the crosser and force a quick checkdown.

Usage Tips

Check the safety alignment before the snap, single high shells tell you the crosser will have a soft window in the middle of the field while two high shells mean you should prioritize the divide routes on the outside.

Use motion or a quick glance at the linebacker depth to identify if you are facing man coverage, if the backers are shaded tight to the line you can trust the crosser to win against man leverage.

Hot route the underneath back into a check release against heavy blitz looks since this concept takes time to develop and the quarterback needs a clean pocket to let the crosser work.

Pair this play with Mtn Y Cross or PA Y Cross in the same set to keep the defense guessing on similar crossing action while disguising which route wins based on coverage rotation.

Best called on second or third and medium when you have time to let the deep cross develop, avoid this on third and short where quicker hitters like Slants HB Flat are more efficient.

Other Plays in Split Y-Flex