Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Inside Cross out of Singleback Wing Tight lines up two receivers to the left running vertical routes that break outside at the top of the stem, while the slot receiver runs the namesake crosser underneath from right to left across the field. On the right side, the tight end or wing runs a short out to the flat, and the running back releases on a check down route up the middle. This is a man beater built around the deep crosser creating natural separation against man defenders, with the shallow crosser as the primary read and the flat route as the outlet against underneath zone drops.
Defensive Reads
Identify single high safety shells before the snap, since Cover 3 or Cover 1 will leave the crosser exposed to a robber or lurking linebacker in the middle of the field. Watch the middle linebacker depth at the snap, if he sinks deep into a zone drop he can undercut the crosser and jump the throwing lane. Key the flat defender on the tight end or wing side, if he sits on the flat route the crosser has more room to work but the quarterback must hold the ball longer. User the middle linebacker or a rover defender to spy the crosser in man coverage looks, since this route is the primary read and shutting it down forces the quarterback to check down. Bring pressure off the edge on third and long since the crosser takes time to develop and the quarterback needs a clean pocket to let the route fully clear traffic.
Usage Tips
Attack man coverage first since the deep crosser generates natural rub separation against man defenders trailing across the field.
Read the middle linebacker at the snap, if he sits on the crosser hot route the running back out of the backfield or check to the flat route.
Use this on second and medium or third and short distances where the shallow crosser can pick up positive yardage after the catch.
Pair this play in sequence with PA Dig Cross or Mesh Spot from the same set since both use similar crossing concepts and will condition linebackers to jump underneath routes, opening up double moves later in the drive.
Hot route the running back to a flat route or check release block against heavy blitz looks to protect the quarterback on longer developing crossing routes.
