Mtn Mesh Spot

Watch the mike linebacker and nickel defender at the snap since their depth and drop angle tell you whether they are sitting on the spot route or bailing to cover the mesh crossers. Man coverage defenders who fight through the mesh point late usually get picked, so any rub or natural traffic there is your green light to fire the mesh route. Against zone, key the underneath linebackers and safeties rotating down since a sunk safety usually signals Cover 3 or Cover 4 match, which opens up the corner or dig route behind the spot combo. Blitz-heavy fronts with man coverage behind them are vulnerable because the mesh action clears out defenders and creates natural picks, but be alert for a lurking hot defender sitting in the mesh window who can jump the crossing routes. Disciplined zone defenses that keep linebackers at proper depth and use a robber technique in the middle of the field can shut this down, so have your check down or scramble drill ready if the spot window closes.