Playbooks
Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.
| Player | Side | Route |
|---|---|---|
| HB1 | Left | Flat |
| WR3 | Right | Deep Cross |
| WR1 | Left | Post |
| WR2 | Right | Post Corner |
| TE1 | Right | Drag |
Mtn Cross Z Poco is a play-action based passing concept out of Shotgun Wing Trips WK that attacks the middle of the field with a mesh style crossing combo while Z runs a poco (deep post/skinny post variant) to stress the deep half. The play-action element freezes second level defenders, opening throwing lanes underneath for the crossers while the Z route works as the explosive shot play against single high coverage. Primary read progression starts with the deep Z poco against man or single high safety looks, then works down to the crossing routes underneath if the shot is not there, making this a solid man beater with zone beater properties on the underneath crosses.
Pre-snap, identify if the defense shows two high safeties or rolls to single high after the fake, since Z poco is designed to win against single high shells. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, shallow linebackers who bite hard on the play-action fake will vacate the crossing lanes and give you easy completions underneath. If you see a user controlled defender sitting in a deep third or playing a lurk role in the middle of the field, expect him to jump the crossing routes, so be ready to reset to the Z poco or throw it away. Cover 3 with a hard robber underneath can take away both the shallow cross and the poco read, forcing you to check down or scramble. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the ideal scenario for this play, since Z poco should win against trail technique if the fake sells and the corner opens his hips late.
Check the safety alignment before the snap, if you see one high safety cheating toward the trips side, the Z poco has a strong chance to win over the top.
Use the play-action fake fully to let the mesh concept develop, do not rush your drop or the crossers will not have separated from linebackers yet.
Against man coverage, hot route the underneath crosser to a shallow drag if the defender is playing tight trail technique, this keeps the rhythm timing intact.
Pair this play with Mtn Inside Zone Split earlier in a series so the play-action fake carries more weight and linebackers bite harder on the run fake.
Best called on second and medium or third and long situations where you need a explosive play but still want the checkdown safety valve from the crossing routes.