Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Slants out of Weak I Slot Flex is a quick-hitting man beater built on two slant routes crossing underneath from the slot and flexed TE alignment, with a third receiver running a deep dig or corner-breaking route from the boundary side into the void behind the slants. The backside X receiver runs a go route to hold the corner deep and clear the underneath zone. With the HB releasing to a check release or stay-home block in this 21 personnel look, the protection is built to hold up for a quick three-step drop, and the primary read progression starts with the inside slant to the field, works to the second slant crossing underneath, then climbs to the deep dig if the underneath defenders squeeze the throwing lanes.
Defensive Reads
Read the slot corner and flexed TE defender at the snap, if they open their hips to the flat or bail into zone drops, the slant window opens immediately. Watch for a robber or lurk defender sitting in the shallow middle zone, this is the primary counter that jumps the crossing slants and baits inexperienced quarterbacks into a pick six. Identify Cover 3 sky or buzz rotations post-snap, the underneath defenders will squeeze the slant lanes tight, forcing the quarterback to climb the ladder to the deep dig against the vacated middle zone. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the biggest defensive vulnerability against this concept, since the natural rub from the two slants nearly guarantees a free release. Disguise pressure with a delayed blitz off the edge, the quick three-step timing of this play is designed to beat sacks, but a well-timed inside blitz can collapse the pocket before the first read develops.
Usage Tips
Fire the inside slant first against any man coverage look since the natural pick action from the crossing routes creates instant separation off the line.
Check pre-snap for single high safety looks, this play thrives against Cover 1 and Cover 3 because the slants attack the void behind the underneath linebackers and in front of the deep safety.
Hot route the backside go into a comeback or curl if you see Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells, since the deep half safety will sit on the vertical and take away the easy home run shot.
Pair this play with Power O and HB Gut from the same Weak I Slot Flex set to keep run fits honest, then dial up Slants once the defense starts crashing linebackers downhill.
Use this on early downs or third and short, the quick slant combo gets the ball out before the pass rush wins and it is efficient against blitz-heavy defenses that show pressure pre-snap.
