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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
X Close PA Slants runs out of Shotgun Y Off Trips with play-action fake to hold the linebackers before the pass concept develops. The trips side gets two slant routes stacked underneath each other cutting across the middle, while the backside receiver runs a deep dig that settles in behind them, creating a natural high-low read against zone drops and a rub effect against man coverage. The primary read starts with the shallow slant, then works up to the second slant, and finally to the deep dig on the backside if the underneath routes are covered or the safety bites on the play fake.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they step up hard on the play-action fake the slant windows open immediately for an easy completion. Identify man coverage by corner alignment on the trips receivers, tight press alignment means the slants will rub off each other and create separation. Against zone coverage, key the underneath defenders sinking into the slant lanes, if they sit the shallow slant is covered and you need to progress to the deep dig. Look for a lurking middle linebacker or safety sitting in the throwing lane of the second slant, this is the biggest user threat that can bait a pick six. This concept is vulnerable to a hard blitz that beats the play-action fake, if the pass rush wins quickly before the fake sells, get the ball out fast to the shallow slant as a checkdown.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs when you have already established the run game so linebackers respect the play-action fake and step up.
Pre-snap, check for man coverage indicators like corners lined up tight on the trips receivers, this tells you the slants will pick off defenders on the rub and open quickly.
If you see a two-high safety shell, look to the backside dig first since the slants may sit in a shallow zone with linebackers sinking underneath.
Hot route the outside slant receiver into a quicker option or shorten his depth if you are facing an aggressive underneath zone that jumps slants.
Pair this play with Slants or RPO Glance Post from the same set to keep the defense guessing between the play-action shot and the quick game, forcing linebackers to hesitate on run fits.
