Slot Drive

Pre-snap, check safety depth and spacing, since a two high shell with deep halves indicates quarters coverage that this play is designed to exploit through the dig and post combo. Watch the flat defender and underneath linebacker depth, since a shallow zone drop will take away the drag but open the dig behind it. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker or nickel defender for a lurk threat sitting on the dig route crossing the field, since a user controlled defender jumping this route can bait a turnover. Identify if corners are playing off man or press man, since press coverage on the trips side can disrupt the timing of the post route and force the QB into the shorter drag or checkdown. This concept struggles against a hard zone blitz that brings extra defenders into the shallow zone while dropping a safety over the top of the post, so recognize disguised pressure with two deep defenders staying home before committing to the deep read.