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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
Post Flood Salem is a three level flood concept out of Shotgun Spread Y-Slot that stresses one side of the field vertically and horizontally. The outside receiver runs a deep post from the boundary to attack the middle of the field, the inside slot receiver runs a corner style flood route breaking to the sideline underneath the post, and a third receiver runs a short flat/out route to occupy underneath defenders while the backside receiver runs a clearing dig away from the concept. The primary read progression starts with the post for the shot at the safety, then works down to the corner flood route, and finally checks down to the flat route if the deep and intermediate windows are covered.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the safety is aligned deep middle or shaded to the flood side, since Cover 3 and Cover 1 shells are the most vulnerable to the post shot. Post-snap, key the deep safety’s first two steps, if he flows toward the flood route the post window opens up immediately. Watch the flat or corner defender, in zone coverage he has to choose between the flood route and the underneath route, creating a natural conflict read. Cover 2 with a hard flat defender and strong deep half safety can take away both the flood route and the post, forcing a check down to the flat. User controlled lurk defenders sitting in the throwing lane of the post are the biggest threat, so use pump fake or ball placement to freeze them before delivering the post throw.
Usage Tips
Look for single high safety shells pre-snap since the post route punishes Cover 3 and Cover 1 defenders who have to respect the flood underneath.
If you see two deep safeties, hot route the post into a deep out or bump the corner route deeper to stress the flat defender in Cover 2.
Use the post as your first read against man coverage since it forces the deep defender to turn his hips, then work the flood route if the safety jumps the post.
Pair this play with Four Verticals or Curls from the same set so the defense cannot key on the flood concept every snap.
Best used on second and medium or third and long when you need a explosive gain but still have a flat check down as a safety valve against the blitz.
