Playbooks

Jets Z Shallow

Shotgun·Spread Y-Slot·11
Shallow CrossPass Play

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 2 playbooks

Air Raid Classic OffenseOffenseAir Raid OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Jets Z Shallow is a shallow cross concept out of Shotgun Spread Y-Slot that attacks man coverage with a natural pick and rub while giving zone defenders a horizontal stretch underneath. The Z runs a shallow crosser from one side to the other while the slot or Y works a dig or drag behind it, creating a two-level crossing pattern that clears out linebackers and forces coverage to fight through traffic. Primary read progression starts with the shallow crosser to see if he breaks free off the rub, then works to the underneath dig or drag, and finally checks the backside for a hitch or curl if the middle of the field is jumped.

Defensive Reads

Check the strong safety depth pre-snap since a rolled up safety often signals man coverage underneath, which favors the shallow crosser winning immediately off the rub. Watch the middle linebacker at the snap because if he sinks into a deep zone drop you are likely seeing Cover 3 and should target the shallow to dig combo in the vacated underneath area. Man coverage with no help over the top gets shredded by this concept since the natural traffic from the shallow crosser disrupts man defenders trying to trail across the field. Cover 2 with an aggressive slot corner jumping the shallow route can jump this route early, so be ready to reset to the dig or backside hitch if the underneath defender sits on the crosser. Blitz-heavy fronts with man coverage behind them are the biggest risk since the shallow route takes time to develop and can get the quarterback hit before the rub takes effect, so identify pressure looks pre-snap and consider a quick hot route or checkdown.

Usage Tips

Look for the shallow crosser to be your first read against any man coverage since the natural rub from the formation almost always creates separation against man defenders.

Against zone shells, hold the ball a beat longer and let the shallow route clear underneath linebackers before working to the dig or drag sitting in the void.

Use pre-snap motion or a quick glance at the second level defenders to identify if you are seeing Cover 3 zone drops or man coverage before the snap.

This play pairs well with Y Cross or Mtn Y Cross in your play-calling sequence since both stress the same shallow crossing window and force linebackers to guess on route depth.

Best called on second and medium or third and short since the quick developing shallow route gives you a safe checkdown against most blitz packages.

Other Plays in Spread Y-Slot