Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Empty Post Cross deploys five receivers into route combinations built around a deep post from one side and a crossing route working the intermediate middle of the field. It is a man beater at its core, using the post to stress a single high safety while the crosser works away from man coverage leverage and settles into soft spots against zone. Primary progression starts with the post shot if the safety bites on run action or vacates the deep middle, then works down to the crosser as the layered read against both man and zone shells.
Defensive Reads
Identify single high safety alignment pre-snap, this is the green light for the post route and often signals man coverage underneath. Watch cornerback press versus off alignment on the post side, press coverage with no safety help invites a big play if you win the release. Read linebacker depth and spacing at the snap, shallow linebacker drops clog the crosser's lane and force the quarterback to hold the ball longer. Man coverage with no deep help gets exposed by the post, so user your free safety over the top if you suspect this concept is coming. Zone shells with two deep safeties and active underneath zone defenders take away both the post and the crosser, forcing a checkdown and giving the pass rush time to win. Watch for a lurking linebacker or nickel defender sitting in the crosser's path, since a user controlled defender jumping that route can bait an interception if the quarterback stares it down.
Usage Tips
Check the safety alignment before the snap, a single high safety with cheating leverage tells you the post has a one on one shot against the corner.
Motion or shift a receiver to confirm man versus zone, if defenders travel with the shift you know it is man and the post becomes your first read.
Against zone shells with two deep safeties, work the crosser immediately since the post window closes when there is help over the top.
Hot route the shallow checkdown option to a spot route or drag if you are facing a heavy blitz look, this gives your quarterback a quick answer against pressure.
Pair this play with Empty Post Dagger or PA Post Cross Shot in your play calling sequence, since both threaten the same post shot but with different timing and protection looks to keep defenders guessing.
