Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Quick Slants is a three-receiver, quick-timing pass concept out of Singleback U Off with 12 personnel. The outside receiver on the left runs a slant to the middle of the field while the tight end aligned wide right releases on a deep crossing route, and the slot receiver on the right runs an out breaking route toward the sideline. This is a man beater built for quick separation against tight coverage, with the primary read being the near slant since it hits the shortest and fastest throwing window, followed by the deep cross if the slant is taken away underneath.
Defensive Reads
Watch for corners playing outside leverage pre snap, this tells you the slant window will be wide open against man coverage. Identify if the defense shows Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells, since the deep cross can work behind underneath zone defenders sitting in short areas. Key on the middle linebacker or nickel defender at the snap, if he sprints outside to cover the flat or out route, the slant lane opens up immediately. Beware of a robber or lurk defender sitting in the shallow middle zone, this play is vulnerable to a user controlled defender jumping the slant route if the quarterback is late with the throw. Watch for blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge, since the quick slant throw is designed to beat pressure by getting the ball out before the rush arrives.
Usage Tips
Get the ball out on time to the slant, this route is designed to win before defenders can recover, so do not hold the ball. Use this play on third and short or second and medium when you need a high percentage, low risk completion. Check safety depth pre snap, if both safeties are deep and cornerbacks are playing off, hot route the slant into a speed out to combat a soft zone shell. Pair this with HB Dive or Inside Zone Split earlier in a series to set up run-pass conflict and get linebackers cheating downhill before coming back to this quick game concept. If you see man coverage indicators like a corner shaded inside pre snap, trust the slant and throw with anticipation before your receiver breaks.
