Fake HB Zone QB Bootlt

Key the play side linebacker and strong safety immediately after the snap since their run fit or lack thereof tells you whether the fake zone action is working. If linebackers step up hard to fill run gaps you have a clean throwing lane to the crosser sitting in the vacated middle of the field. Watch for a user controlled defender spying the QB on the rollout, especially a linebacker or safety hanging near the line of scrimmage instead of dropping, since that spy will jump the flat route or contain the boot and force you to eat the ball or cut it back. Cover 3 and Cover 4 shells with deep zone drops are vulnerable because the crosser exploits the seam between the underneath zone and the deep defenders. Man coverage with an overhang defender who reads play action quickly can jump the flat route, so be ready to climb the pocket and hit the backside dig if you see the flat defender sitting flat footed at the snap. Blitz heavy fronts that send extra rushers off the edge you are rolling toward will collapse this play fast, so recognize overload pressure pre snap by counting box defenders and be ready to throw the checkdown early or tuck and run.