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Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Quick Slants out of Slot Open (Weak I, 20 personnel) sends both outside receivers on hard slants that cross the middle of the field while the slot receiver runs a quick out to the flat and the fullback releases on a wheel route from the backfield. The tight end runs a deep dig that crosses over the slants, stacking the middle of the field with three horizontal breaking routes at different depths. This is a man beater built for quick separation, with the primary read progression going backside slant first, then the frontside slant, then working down to the flat route if the middle is jammed.
Defensive Reads
Check pre-snap safety depth: single high safety alignment signals man or Cover 3, both of which the slants can beat with quick timing throws. Watch cornerback press alignment at the line, since press man leaves the slants vulnerable to a quick release and inside break before the defender can recover. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker's drop, because if he sits in the shallow hole he can jump the frontside slant and create a user pick-six opportunity. Cover 2 shells with safeties splitting the field are the toughest matchup for this play, since the deep half safety can rob the slant if the quarterback holds the ball too long. Look for a lurking defender spying the crossing routes over the middle, as a smart user player can sit in the passing lane and undercut both slants if the quarterback is predictable with his first read.
Usage Tips
Get the ball out on time to the backside slant since it is the fastest developing route and beats most man coverage before the defender can flip and run.
Use this play on 3rd and short or 2nd and medium when defenses expect run out of Weak I personnel, since the slant concept punishes linebackers sitting in run fits.
If you see man coverage pre-snap with corners lined up tight, hot route the slot receiver to a slant as well to create a natural pick concept underneath.
Pair this play with HB Draw and Off Tackle earlier in a series to sell run action, then come back to Quick Slants when the defense starts crashing linebackers downhill.
Against zone shells, look to the tight end's deep dig sitting behind the linebackers, since it settles into the soft spot vacated by the crossing slants.
