Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mills out of Strong I Slot is a classic Cover 4 beater built around the deep post/dig combination on the left side. The outside receiver runs a vertical seam that breaks into a deep post, while the inside slot receiver runs an underneath dig that sits right at the hole created by the post, forming the traditional Mills concept. On the right side, the TE runs a corner route from a tight alignment and the HB releases into the flat, giving the quarterback a three level stretch away from the boundary route combo. Read the post first to see if it clears the safety, then work down to the dig for the sit-down window against Cover 4 or Cover 3 shells.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify two deep safeties for Cover 4 or Cover 2, this is exactly the shell Mills is designed to attack with the post/dig combo. Watch the deep safety to the play side, if he stays flat footed or bites on the play action fake, the post will separate for an explosive gain. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker drop, if he sinks under the dig route he can jump the throw and create a lurk turnover, so double check the window before pulling the trigger. Against Cover 3, the post has to split the two deep defenders, if the flat defender widens with the HB it opens a natural throwing lane for the dig underneath. Beware disguised Cover 1 or Cover 0 blitz looks, since the underneath dig has no natural window against man coverage with an extra rusher, check the flat route as a quick outlet instead.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs or in 2nd and medium situations where defenses sit in zone shells expecting a run out of Strong I personnel.
Check the safety alignment pre-snap. If you see two deep safeties splitting the field evenly, that is your green light for the post to work behind them.
Hot route the flat route from the HB into a wheel if you see man coverage across the board, since it turns into a natural leverage beater against a linebacker.
Pair this play with HB Power O or Inside Zone Wk from the same set to keep defenses honest on early downs before hitting them with the Mills shot play.
If the post is capped by a deep safety, work the progression down to the dig route, it will settle into the vacated middle zone against Cover 4 defenders who bail deep.
Combine this with PA Post Shot as a change up call so linebackers respect the run action, opening up the post window even further.
