Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Inside Cross out of Singleback Doubles sends both outside receivers vertical up the seams, with the boundary X running a deep corner-breaking route while the field Z pushes straight upfield on a go. Underneath, the slot receiver runs a deep crossing route from the left side all the way across the field, while the TE releases into a shallow drag underneath that crosser going the opposite direction, creating a natural rub and coverage conflict for man defenders. This is a man beater built around the crossing traffic, with the primary read starting on the shallow drag (TE) working to the deep crosser (slot) if the underneath is taken away, and the vertical seams as the alert versus zone drops.
Defensive Reads
Watch for Cover 1 or Cover 3 man match shells since the natural rub between the TE drag and slot crosser creates immediate separation against trailing defenders. If the defense shows two deep safeties pre-snap in Cover 2 or Cover 4, expect the crossing routes to run into underneath zone traffic and prioritize the vertical seam routes instead. Key the MIKE linebacker's drop after the snap, if he sinks too deep into a hook zone the shallow drag will be wide open in the throwing lane behind him. User-controlled defenders sitting in a lurk technique in the middle of the field can undercut both crossing routes, so be ready to climb the ladder to the deep corner or go route if that happens. Blitz-heavy defenses that bring five or more rushers leave the crossing routes uncovered in the middle voids, making this a strong answer versus aggressive nano blitz packages.
Usage Tips
Check the pre-snap alignment of the slot corner and MIKE linebacker since the crossing routes are designed to pick off man defenders trailing in coverage.
Hot route the TE into a deeper drag if you are facing a defense that sits underneath crossers with a spy or a robber technique.
This play shines on second and medium to second and long when defenses are more likely to play man coverage or Cover 1 with a single high safety.
Use the deep crosser as your first read against zone since it settles into open grass between the hook and curl zones if linebackers drop too fast.
Pair Inside Cross with Four Verticals or Z Post Y Out from this same Doubles set to keep defenders honest on the crossing concepts and force communication busts in man coverage.
