Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Slot Cross out of Shotgun Tight Y Off Wk features a deep crosser from the backside X receiver that sits as the primary read, working from the far side of the formation across the field into open grass past the sticks. The slot receiver runs a deep corner route stemming vertically before breaking outside, while the inline TE and outside receiver on the trips side combine on a drag and a flat route to clear underneath zones and give the QB a quick outlet. The HB releases into an outside flat route away from the concept, giving five total options and making this a strong man beater since the crosser and drag create natural rub and pick opportunities against man defenders trailing across the formation.
Defensive Reads
Identify if the linebackers are showing man match or zone drop before the snap, since the crosser is most vulnerable to a zone defender sitting in the intermediate middle third. Watch for a user controlled defender spying the deep crosser lane, this is the biggest threat to shutting down the primary read. Check safety depth and rotation post snap, a two high shell that rotates late can take away the deep corner route from the slot receiver. Look for linebacker blitz timing off the edge, since the HB flat route is your answer against overload pressure and needs to be thrown quickly. Beware of Cover 3 sink drops from the outside cornerbacks, since they can undercut the drag and flat combination if the QB does not go through his progression fast enough.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to bait linebackers into showing man coverage before the snap since the crosser thrives against man leverage.
Key on the middle of the field safety alignment, if it is a single high shell the deep corner route from the slot can work as a big play answer over the top.
Hot route the HB flat route into a check release if you are facing heavy pressure looks, this gives the QB a safety valve against blitz packages.
Pair this play with Shallow Cross or Smash Drag in your play calling sequence so the defense sees similar formation and route stems but different answers, keeping linebackers guessing on crosser depth.
Best used on second and medium to second and long where the deep crosser has room to work before the sticks and the defense is not selling out on the run.
