Quick Short Post

Watch the middle linebacker depth at the snap because a shallow drop signals zone coverage that can bracket the short post read. Key the slot cornerback's press alignment pre-snap, tight press indicates man coverage that the short post is designed to beat with immediate separation. If the defense shows a robber or lurk defender sitting in the underneath middle zone, expect that user to jump the short post route, so be ready to progress quickly to the middle out route or the RB in the flat. Blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge favor this play since the routes are quick hitting and the RB check release can pick up the extra rusher before releasing. Cover 3 with a hard flat defender can undercut the middle out route, so recognize that rotation post-snap and come back to the trips post as your primary bailout option.