Here is a 5 Step passing concept from a bunch formation designed to create an interior
triangle read for the QB.
The QB can throw the outside release vertical to the X as a 1 on 1 winner route. If the
QB likes the matchup he can take it, otherwise he follows his normal route progression.
If the inside linebackers drop with depth the chase route should be open.
The second route in the progression is the Y on the dig read route. The Y should take an
outside release and break to the dig at 10-12. The Y is reading for open space to settle
and square his numbers to the QB. If there is a zone dropper underneath; the Y will
keep working inside until there is open space to settle. If there is a player running with
the dig in man; the Y will keep running across. The Y does not settle the route vs. man
coverage.
If the ILB takes an angle to cover the chase route; the dig should be open.
The third route in the progression is the Z on the drive read route. The Z is releasing at
the heels of the DL and gaining ground. As the drive crosses the Center; the Z is reading
the flat defender. If the flat defender is wide, the Z is squaring this shoulders and
showing his numbers to the QB. On the away side the X is running an outside release
vertical. Against press coverage the X will run a vertical and must be ready for the peek
throw from the QB. If there is no press coverage; the X will turn the vertical into a
comeback at 10-12 yards. The comeback is there is force the flat defender to widen.
Here the ILBs take angles to take away both the Chase and Dig routes. The Z is reading
on the drive route. In this example the FS is inverting to the flat. The X runs the
comeback to force the FS to widen. The Z will settle in area of the OT. The max depth is
5 yards.
Here the flat defender is the Corner. Again the Z will settle & square in area of the OT.
Here the flat defender is the ILB expanding. Again the Z will settle & square in area of
the OT.
If the flat defender does not expand to cover the comeback; the Z will keep running. If
there is a player running with the drive in man; the Z will keep running across. The Z
does not settle the route vs. man coverage. The Z will also keep running if any zone
defender attempts to match up. If it feels like man coverage treat it like man coverage.
The A back is running a swing to widen the flat defender to the bunch and is not part of
the read progression. While not part of the read; the A back must be ready for the ball
in a hot throw situation. Against pressure the QB can throw the peek vertical to the X if
he likes the matchup. The other hot option is to throw the swing route to the A back.
Adjustments
The route can easily be run from a 2x2 motion look.
Here the same concept from a 4x1 empty; forces the defense to handle and inside
bunch and waste a coverage player on the A back. The A can run any route that forces
the flat defender to cover him.
The route can be run from 3x2 empty as well. The A runs vertical to clear out space and
take the top off the coverage.
Another option is to run the route from a 3x1 formation with the A back running the
chase route. This can be an easy way to get the A back involved in the passing game.
In all of the adjustments the QB has the same interior triangle read.