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Breakdown
WR Short Posts out of Singleback Spread 10 personnel is a quick-hitting man beater built around both outside receivers breaking inward on shallow post routes while the slot receivers work underneath or hold flat responsibilities to clear space. The blocking scheme is five man protection with the HB checking the weak side edge before releasing late if there is no threat, giving the QB a quick pocket to work with. The primary read progression starts with the post route to the side of single high safety leverage, then works to the underneath crossing routes if the post window is capped, and finally checks down to the flat or HB leak route.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and alignment, if both safeties are backed off at depth this is showing two high which clogs the post windows and favors the underlying route combo instead. Watch cornerback press alignment, if corners are playing tight man with no safety help over the top the post route will win quickly against the leverage. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker drop, a fast sink into the post lane signals zone coverage and you should redirect the throw to the crossing routes or flat instead of forcing the post. Look for user controlled defenders sitting in the deep middle third or lurking at the sticks, this is the biggest threat to the post concept since it can jump the throwing lane if the QB stares down the route too long. Blitz packages that bring five or six rushers with man coverage behind them are actually favorable for this play since the quick post beats man leverage before the pressure arrives, but watch for a spy or delayed blitzer sitting in the shallow crossing lane.
Usage Tips
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is showing single high or two high shell since this concept thrives against single high man coverage where the post has room to sit behind linebackers.
If you see Cover 3 or Cover 1 with no deep help over the top, trust the post route and throw with anticipation before the receiver turns upfield.
Hot route the backside post into a hitch or speed out if you are getting a hard double team look on that side, this keeps the concept balanced against bracket coverage.
This play pairs well with Pivot Slants and Slot Pivot in the same set since all three attack underneath windows, forcing linebackers to widen and opening up the post lanes on later downs.
Best used on second and medium or third and short where the underneath completions from the crossing routes are enough to move the chains, but do not be afraid to push the post deep on first down against aggressive man coverage.
