Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
SE Cross is a five man route concept out of Singleback Y Trips 11 personnel that isolates a deep crosser as the primary man beater. The backside X runs a deep crossing route from the weak side all the way across the field, the inline TE runs a deep out breaking route from the trips side, the inside slot runs a quick pivot in, and the outside trips receiver runs a vertical seam up the numbers, while the HB releases into a flat route as a checkdown and blocking spy. The route distribution stretches the field horizontally and vertically, making it a strong man beater against man coverage since the crosser creates natural separation working across traffic, though it also holds up against zone thanks to the vertical stretch on the trips side.
Defensive Reads
Identify if the defense shows single high safety pre-snap, since that usually signals man coverage underneath which the deep crosser exploits with ease. Watch the flow of the middle linebacker after the snap, as a slow reacting backer will get left behind by the crosser and open a big throwing window. Key on the cornerback aligned over the outside trips receiver, if he presses at the line he is vulnerable to the vertical route beating him over the top. Beware of Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with two deep safeties, since the crosser can run into a sitting zone defender who is reading quarterback eyes for an easy jump and pick. Watch for a user controlled lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field, as this play's crosser and pivot in route cross right through that danger zone if the defense drops a spy or robber into the intermediate area.
Usage Tips
Look pre-snap for single high safety looks since the deep crosser tends to sit down in soft spots against zone but truly wins against man coverage when defenders trail across the field. Use the vertical route on the outside trips receiver to hold the deep safety and open up the crosser underneath, especially against Cover 3 or Cover 1 shells. Hot route the HB out of his flat route into a check release if you need extra protection versus a four man rush or nano blitz look. This play works best on second and medium to third and long since the crosser needs time to develop across the field. Pair SE Cross with Y Shallow Cross or Mesh in the same set to keep defenses guessing between crossing concepts, then mix in PA Cross Up off similar action to punish overaggressive linebacker flow.
