Playbooks
Slot 2 Buc
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Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Slot 2 Buc is a play-action flood concept out of Shotgun Trips Y Slot Str that overloads one side of the field with four routes stacked vertically and horizontally. The backside X runs a deep comeback breaking back toward the sideline while the three trips receivers stretch the defense with a corner route from the outside man, a deep post/go from the middle slot, a curl from the inner slot, and the inline TE releasing on a seam up the numbers. The flood and seam combo attacks both underneath and deep zones simultaneously, making this a strong Cover 2 and Cover 3 beater, with the primary read starting on the seam/corner combo before working down to the curl and backside comeback.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense shows two deep safeties or a single high safety, since Cover 2 leaves the flood side vulnerable to the corner route sitting over the flat defender. Watch the curl to flat defender post-snap, if he widens to the flat the curl route sits down in the window behind him for an easy completion. Key the deep half safety to the trips side, if he stays flat footed reading the seam that opens the corner route behind him for a big gain. Man coverage with press corners can jump the seam and corner routes, so check for a lurking linebacker or safety sitting underneath before pulling the trigger on those throws. Blitz-heavy fronts with man coverage behind them are the biggest threat since play-action holds the QB in the pocket longer, so make sure protection is set and consider a quick hot route adjustment if you diagnose a nano blitz pre-snap.
Usage Tips
Use this play on second or third and medium to long when you need to attack a two deep or three deep shell with a flood concept. Pre-snap, check safety depth and CB alignment on the trips side, if the corner is playing soft outside leverage the corner route wins over the top, if he is sitting on the flat throw the seam behind him immediately. Hot route the backside X to a slant or drag if you expect man coverage underneath since the comeback alone will not beat aggressive press man. Pair this play with Dagger from the same set to keep defenses honest, since both attack deep but Dagger stresses the middle while Slot 2 Buc stresses the sideline. Use play-action shot plays like this on early downs after establishing HB Sweep or Inside Zone so linebackers bite on the run fake and open passing lanes for the seam and curl.
