Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Slot Chase out of Singleback Trio (11 personnel) is a five man route concept built around a deep crosser and a slant flat combo to attack man coverage. The backside receiver runs a deep out while the outside receiver on that side breaks into a corner route, the inline receiver runs a slant that turns into a deep crosser toward the opposite sideline, the slot runs a quick out, and the outside receiver on the strong side stems vertically into a go route. The primary read starts with the slant flat combo underneath, working to the deep crosser as it clears the middle of the field, with the go route as a shot play window against a blown coverage or busted man matchup.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify the slot corner or nickel alignment since tight man coverage on the slot receiver signals the quick out will get jumped, favoring the deep crosser instead. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, a shallow drop from the middle linebacker suggests a robber or lurk defender sitting on the deep crosser, which should push your eyes to the flat or go route. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the biggest vulnerability, the go route and deep crosser combo will win one on one matchups against trail technique. Zone shells with two deep safeties can bracket the deep crosser, so key the flat defender and slant runner to see if the underneath zone is soft enough for a quick completion. If the defense shows blitz with the slot corner crashing downhill, expect a hot spot on the quick out, the user should be ready to peel off the go route and jump the shorter throw before the pocket collapses.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs when you want to isolate a linebacker or slot corner in man coverage against the deep crosser.
Pre-snap, check for man alignment on the slot receiver since the quick out and slant flat combo are designed to create instant separation against press or trail technique.
If you see two high safeties, work the slant flat combo first since the deep crosser and go route will take longer to develop against a soft zone shell.
Hot route the flat runner into a shallow drag if you are facing a hard slant flat sit defender, this keeps the timing intact while adjusting to a jet or robber look.
Pair this play with Slants or Shoot in your call sheet to keep the defense guessing between quick underneath throws and this deeper crossing shot, then mix in HB Dive or HB Toss once the defense starts sitting on the pass.
