Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
TE In is a five man route concept out of Shotgun Trio Offset with 11 personnel that stresses the middle of the field on an in breaking route while stacking verticals on the outside. The TE runs a shallow crosser (the red route) working from the strong side across the field underneath the linebackers, while both outside receivers on the strength side and the backside receiver push vertical seams to hold the safeties and clear the underneath zone. The remaining slot runs a short out to the flat as a checkdown and man beater against aggressive outside coverage. This is a man and zone beater with the primary read progression starting on the TE In as he crosses the middle, then working to the vertical seams if a safety bites down, with the flat route as your outlet against blitz pressure.
Defensive Reads
Watch the middle linebacker depth at the snap, if he sinks too deep into a Tampa 2 style drop the TE In will settle right into his vacated zone. Key the strong side safety, if he crashes down on the TE crosser you have a vertical seam window opening behind him for a big play shot. Identify man coverage by checking if a linebacker or safety is manned up on the TE pre-snap, since the crossing route creates natural rub leverage against man defenders trailing from depth. Look for a lurking defender sitting in the shallow middle zone in Cover 3, this is the primary threat that can jump the TE In route and create a turnover if the quarterback does not see him. Beware of a nano blitz or interior pressure package since the TE In needs time to develop, if the offensive line shows a protection mismatch check down immediately to the flat route instead of forcing the crosser.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is showing two high safeties or a single high shell, since the TE In sits down in the void against zone if linebackers drop deep enough.
Against man coverage, hot route the flat runner deeper or into a quick out if you see a linebacker walked up on him, this gives you an instant man beater on the strong side.
Use this play on second and medium or third and short to medium since the TE In settles in the intermediate zone and gives the quarterback a quick, high percentage throw before the pocket collapses.
Pair this play with Flanker Dig or Levels Sail from the same set to keep the defense guessing between crossing routes at different depths, this forces linebackers to widen their zone drops.
If the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 4 look to hit the TE In on his break before the flow of the zone closes the window, do not wait for him to cross the opposite hash.
