Playbooks
Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.
| Player | Side | Route |
|---|---|---|
| HB1 | Left | Block and Release Flat |
| TE2 | Right | Zig |
| WR1 | Left | Zig |
| WR2 | Left | Sluggo |
| TE1 | Right | Out and Up |
Fk Slant Out is a quick-hitting man beater out of the Shotgun Wing Slot Offset WK set in 12 personnel. The fake or flat action pulls underneath defenders while the slant and out combo attacks the boundary, giving the quarterback a high-low read against man coverage on the slant receiver first, then working to the out route breaking to the sideline if the slant window closes. Pass protection is a standard five or six man slide, so this is built as a timing based dropback throw rather than a designed run, screen, or RPO.
Watch for man coverage indicators pre-snap like tight cornerback alignment and linebackers shaded toward the slot, this confirms the slant will have a clean release window. If the defense shows Cover 2 or Cover 4 with safeties at depth, expect the corners to sit on the out route, so the quarterback needs to anticipate the throw before the break instead of waiting to see separation. User controlled lurk defenders sitting in the shallow zone are the biggest threat to this concept, key on any defender crashing down on the slant route immediately after the snap. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge can disrupt the timing of this dropback, so identify overload blitzes pre-snap and be ready to check into a quicker outlet or throw the slant on time before pressure arrives. Cover 3 with an underneath defender spying the flat will take away the out route completely, forcing the quarterback to live on the slant or work to a backside hot route adjustment.
Fire this play on early downs against man coverage looks where the cornerback is playing tight or inside shade, since the slant will win instantly on a free release.
Check pre-snap for a single high safety, that tells you the slant out combo has a soft spot in the intermediate zone if defenders bail late.
Hot route the backside receiver into a quick drag or spot route if you see Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells, this gives you a check down against zone defenses that sit on the slant.
Pair this with PA Dagger or Mtn PA Cross in your play calling sequence to keep linebackers honest, since Fk Slant Out sells a quick game look that sets up deeper shots later in the drive.
Best used on 2nd and short or 3rd and short situations where the defense expects run or a quick underneath throw, letting you exploit aggressive man coverage or overzealous blitz packages.