Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Middle Slant out of Singleback Trips Open sends the trips side into a layered slant combo with the inside slot running a deep crossing slant that clears out underneath, while the two outside receivers work an out and up stack on the numbers. The backside single receiver runs a deep comeback across the field for a home run shot if the coverage bites on the trips concept. The lone protection assignment shows the running back releasing to the flat while the offensive line picks up a five man protection, marking this as a man beater built to exploit picks and natural rubs created by the bunched alignment. Primary read starts with the inside slant working across the middle of the field, then progresses to the flat release before working backside to the comeback route.
Defensive Reads
Press man coverage on the trips receivers is the biggest vulnerability, since the crossing slant is built to create natural traffic and separation against man defenders. Zone coverages like Cover 3 or Cover 4 with sound underneath linebacker drops can take away the crossing slant by sitting in the throwing lane, forcing the quarterback to hold the ball longer. Watch for a user controlled linebacker sitting in a lurk spot over the middle, since that defender can jump the inside slant route if the quarterback stares it down too long. Check safety alignment before the snap, because a single high safety leaves the backside comeback route more exposed on a double move, while two deep safeties help bracket both verticals. Blitz packages that bring five or six rushers will test the running back's check release protection, so identify if the defense is overloading one side pre-snap to know when to get the ball out fast.
Usage Tips
Look for man coverage indicators before the snap such as corners lined up in press or shading inside on the trips receivers, since the natural rub created by the crossing slant is designed to shake man defenders.
Use motion or a quick pre-snap shift on the trips side to bait the defense into showing whether they are playing man or zone, then confirm with the linebacker depth at the snap.
Hot route the running back into a check release if you anticipate a blitz, since he is the only outlet protection and this play can get exposed against five and six man pressure.
Pair this play with 61 X Choice or Curl Flat Corner from the same set to keep the defense honest on the trips side, forcing them to respect both the horizontal slant crossers and the shorter option routes.
Best called on second and medium to third and short where the quick developing slant crosser can pick up a fast conversion before the pocket collapses.
