Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
WR In out of Weak I Slot Flex runs a five man route concept built to attack man and zone coverage with horizontal stretch. The backside receiver runs a deep go to hold the corner and safety while the slot receiver breaks in behind the line to sit in the throwing lane, giving you an immediate man beater versus press or off coverage. On the strong side, one receiver runs a flat route while the outside receiver works an out, and the H back releases into a swing out of the backfield to the flat, creating a levels and flood look to the play side. The primary read starts with the In route working across the middle, then progresses to the flat and swing combo if the middle is clogged by underneath zone defenders.
Defensive Reads
Read the cornerback over the go route route at the snap, since a hard outside shade or bail technique signals man coverage and tells you the In route will have a soft window underneath. Key the linebacker depth before the snap, since linebackers sitting shallow indicate they are keying the flat and swing combo and will vacate the middle for the In route to work. Watch for a user controlled defender spying the middle of the field, since a lurking linebacker or safety can jump the In route if you telegraph the throw too early. Against Cover 3, the flat and swing routes are often taken away by the underneath zone defender rolling to the sideline, so expect the In route to be your best answer. If the defense shows a nano blitz or overload look on the strong side, get the ball out fast on the flat or swing route since the offensive line will be outnumbered in protection.
Usage Tips
Pre snap, identify whether the defense is showing single high or two high safeties, since the go route on the backside is your window against single high man coverage. If you see Cover 3 or Cover 4 with soft zone drops, prioritize the In route since it sits in the natural void between the linebackers and the deep safety. Hot route the flat defender's man to a quick out if you diagnose a Cover 2 shell, since the flat and swing combo will be crowded against two underneath defenders sitting on the same side. Use this play on second and medium to third and short since the In route develops fast and gives you a high percentage completion versus zone. Pair this with PA Flood or Dagger from the same set to keep the defense honest, since both plays hold the safety and threaten the same side of the field with double moves and verticals.
