Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Double Slants lines up out of Shotgun Spread Y-Flex with 11 personnel and attacks the middle of the field with a true double slant concept. Both outside receivers on the left run slants that break inward at a shallow angle, while the Y receiver on the right runs a slant that cuts across the field, with the far right receiver running a flat/drag route underneath to clear space. This is a man beater designed to create natural picks and rubs against man coverage, with the primary read progression starting with the inside slant closest to the quarterback's pressure side before working to the crossing slant from the Y-Flex tight end or slot receiver.
Defensive Reads
Key the cornerbacks pre-snap, tight man alignment signals man coverage which is exactly what this slant concept is built to exploit. Watch the middle linebacker's depth at the snap, a shallow drop or blitz look opens up the crossing slant from the Y-Flex tight end for an easy completion. If the defense shows a two-high safety shell with soft corners, expect Cover 2 or Cover 4 zone drops that will clog the slant lanes, so be ready to hot route or check to a different concept. Beware of a user-controlled lurk defender sitting in the shallow middle zone, this can jump both slant routes and create a turnover if the quarterback stares down the initial read. Recognize blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge, since the quick slant timing is designed to get the ball out before pressure arrives, making this an ideal answer to nano blitzes.
Usage Tips
Use this play on third and short or second and medium when you need a quick, high percentage throw against man coverage.
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing man coverage with tight cornerback alignment or off man, since the slants will sit down and settle if the defense shows zone.
Hot route the backside slant into a quick out or hitch if you diagnose Cover 2 or Cover 3, since the natural slant window will be squeezed by underneath zone defenders.
Pair this play with Y Stick or Slot Outs in your play-calling sequence to keep defenders guessing between quick game concepts and full field route combos.
Look to combo this with Four Verticals or PA Seams later in a drive once you have shown the defense the quick slant look, forcing linebackers to widen and opening up seam shots.
