Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Post N Cross is a trips-based passing concept out of Shotgun Y Off Trips Wk that stresses one side of the field with three distinct route depths. The backside receiver runs a deep post to hold the safety, the trips side features a deep crosser working all the way across the field underneath that post, and the inside slot runs a shallow drag while the running back stays in as a check release or shallow outlet. This is a man beater built on the crosser creating natural separation against man coverage while the post occupies deep safety help, with the primary read progression going post first to hold the deep defender, then crosser as the high-value chunk play, and finally the shallow drag as the checkdown against pressure or if the crosser gets picked up late.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check for a single high safety, which tells you the post route will pull that safety and open the crosser underneath. Watch cornerback depth on the trips side, since soft cushion invites an easy pitch and catch on the crosser while press man forces a longer developing route that needs more time in the pocket. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker or any user-controlled lurk defender sitting in the shallow crosser lane, since a rat in the hole can jump the route and turn it into a pick six. Zone coverage with two deep safeties can bracket the post and clog the crosser's crossing lane, so be ready to check down to the shallow drag or running back against Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells. Watch for blitz packages with overload pressure to the trips side, since the crosser needs time to develop and quick pressure off the edge disrupts the timing of the deep crossing route.
Usage Tips
Use this play on second and medium to third and long when you need a chunk gain against man coverage looks. Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing single high safety or two high shell, since the post route is most dangerous against single high because it forces the safety to choose between the post and crosser. If you see man coverage indicators like tight press alignment on the outside corner, trust the crosser to win against trailing defenders. Hot route the running back to a flat or check release if you anticipate a blitz look, since the shallow drag alone will not be enough protection against extra rushers. Pair this play with Dig Cross or Bounce Slot Cross in your call sheet to keep defenders guessing on crossing patterns, then mix in Four Verticals or Mtn Fade Dagger to punish teams that start sitting on the crosser route.
