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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
Slants Fix is a quick-hitting man beater out of Shotgun Spread 10 personnel that puts a double slant concept on the field designed to attack the middle of the field before defenders can react. Both outside receivers run slants at a shallow depth while the underneath routes clear space against zone drops, giving the quarterback a fast rhythm throw. The primary read progression is playside slant first, working to the backside slant if the initial window is jumped, with the QB working through his drops quickly to beat the blitz.
Defensive Reads
Watch cornerback depth pre-snap since press alignment signals man coverage where the slants have a natural advantage against outside leverage. Key the middle linebacker depth and drop angle, because a shallow zone drop into the slant lane from a Cover 3 or Cover 4 shell can jump the route and bait a pick six. Identify user controlled defenders sitting in the shallow hook zone, since a smart user lurking underneath is the biggest threat to this concept and will undercut the throw. Check for nano blitz packages sending extra rushers off the edge, since this play's quick timing is designed specifically to neutralize blitz pressure before it disrupts the throw. Recognize Cover 2 shells with safeties sitting high, since the slants can be squeezed by underneath linebackers sinking into the throwing lane if the QB double clutches.
Usage Tips
Fire this play on obvious passing downs like 3rd and short to medium since the slants develop in under two seconds and beat blitz pressure before it arrives.
Check the pre-snap alignment for man coverage indicators like corners playing tight press technique, since slants are a classic man beater against Cover 0 and Cover 1.
Hot route the backside slant into a quick out if you see a hard inside shade from the corner jumping the route, giving you a built in adjustment against aggressive man defenders.
Pair this play with Quick Slants or Slants Middle earlier in a series so the defense starts keying slant routes, then counter with Y Cross or FL Cross to attack the same leverage with a different route depth.
Use play action rollouts like PA Slot Slide or PA Z-under later in the same drive once the defense over pursues on slant reads, since they will bite hard on the run fake.
