Playbooks
Slants out of Pro Slot Split Backs is a quick game, man beating passing concept built around a trio of slant routes designed to attack tight man coverage and press corners before the pass rush can develop. With 20 personnel on the field, both running backs offer check down or swing options out of the backfield, giving the quarterback a built in outlet if the slants get jumped. The primary read progression starts with the inside slot slant working to the middle of the field, then works outward to the outside slants, and finally checks down to the backfield if the underneath windows are clogged by a sinking linebacker or robber safety.
Watch for cornerbacks in tight press alignment presnap, that look confirms man coverage and tells you the slants will separate quickly off the line. Key the middle linebacker depth at the snap, a shallow drop or blitz trigger opens the inside slant window immediately for an easy completion. Identify Cover 3 or Cover 4 zone shells presnap, since sitting zone defenders and a deep hole player can undercut the inside slant and force you to work checkdowns. Look for a robber or lurk defender sitting in the shallow middle zone after the snap, that defender is the biggest threat to jumping the inside slant route. Recognize overload blitz packages off the edge, since the slants beat man coverage but leave little time to progress through reads if extra rushers get home before the first read clears.
Fire this play quickly on early downs when you expect man coverage or blitz looks, since the slants create instant separation against press and off man alike.
Presnap, check for corners lined up tight to the slot receivers, that alignment tells you the slants will win immediately off the release.
Hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or flat route if you diagnose Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells, since that gives you a zone beater option to the boundary.
Use the running backs as checkdown valves against zone blitz or six man pressure looks, since the slants take time to develop against a soft underneath zone.
Pair this play with PA Slide or Corner Strike in your play calling sequence, since defenders who bite on the quick slant tempo become vulnerable to a double move or play action shot later in the drive.