Playbooks
Quick Reference
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Breakdown
Slants out of Singleback Doubles Flex features four receivers releasing into quick, horizontal breaking routes designed to attack the middle of the field before the pass rush arrives. On the left side the inline slot runs a short slant while the outside receiver runs a drive route underneath toward the sideline, and on the right side the outside receiver and slot both work slants breaking toward the opposite hash. This is a classic man beater built to exploit tight coverage with quick separation, and the primary read progression starts with the right side double slants before working back to the left side slant and drive combo underneath.
Defensive Reads
Watch the cornerback depth before the snap, since press corners are more vulnerable to the slant because their leverage forces them to open their hips late. Key the middle linebacker depth and width, because if he sits shallow in a hook zone he can undercut both inside slants and bait a pick six. Identify Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells post snap, since these zone drops usually leave a soft window between the flat defender and the hook defender that the slants can settle into. Look for a user controlled linebacker spying the middle of the field, as this is the number one threat to jump the crossing slant routes and turn them into interceptions. Against Cover 2 man or man blitz packages, the rub concept created by the two slants on the right side can spring wide open, but a disciplined nickel defender playing outside leverage can force the throw to the checkdown side instead.
Usage Tips
Fire this play in quick from shotgun or under center on early downs when you want a rhythm throw before the pocket collapses.
Snap the ball and read the flat defender or hook defender to the right side first, since the double slants create a natural pick or rub against man coverage.
If the defense shows off man press coverage pre snap, hot route the slot receivers into speed outs or keep the slants but expect faster separation against off corners.
Use this play on third and short to third and medium since the slant routes settle into throwing windows that match up well against zone drops around six to eight yards.
Pair this with HB Draw or PA Y Glance from the same Doubles Flex set to keep the defense honest, since both plays open up if defenders start jumping the quick slant routes.
