The Cross by gunslinger

A previous article outlined Norm Chows "62- Mesh" pattern and his progression for the QB.

1- Peek to the post
2- Watch the mesh occur...

The "Cross" route that I've been toying with gives you a play that is as effective as the Mesh described above, is extremely multiple, and adds a dig route that can pop open under the post and above the mesh (much like the NCAA route).

Rules for the "cross" are as follows:

The called receiver runs the crossing pattern (10 yard dig).

The widest receiver opposite of him runs a post.

The other two receivers "mesh" (right over left).

By using these simple rules you can create a multitude of meshing type patterns with the same read for the QB.

1- Peek at the Post
2- Check the Dig
3- Watch the mesh occur

I apologize for not knowing how to insert diagrams but hopefully you can follow my discussion below.

From a Balanced 2 X 2 Set with receivers identified as (X) wide left, (H) slot left, (Y) slot right, and (Z) wide right...

X Cross

X would run the 10 yard dig
Z is the widest receiver opposite so he would run the post
Y and H would "mesh" (always right over left to minimize confusion).

H Cross

H would run the 10 yard dig
Z is the widest receiver opposite so he would run the post
Y and X would "mesh" (right over left)

Y Cross

Y- Dig
X- Post
H and Z mesh

Z Cross

Z- Dig
X- Post
Y and H mesh

As you can see, these simple rules allow you to have what looks to the defense as at least four different patterns.

The read for the QB remains constant.

Receivers simply need to know the rules, how to run a post, a dig, or shallow crossing route.

By tagging the receiver on a post with other routes you can increase the strain on the defense.

Example:

X Cross/Z Corner

X- 10 Yard Dig
H and Y- Mesh
Z- Corner

The QB can use a pre-snap read to determine whether of not the corner is a viable option. If it is he progresses from corner to dig to mesh.

If not, Dig to Mesh.

Add the "pivot" tag to the underneath receivers and you've got more than the defense can prepare for!

Example:

X Cross/Double Pivot

X- 10 Yard dig
Z- Post
H and Y- Pivot (sell the mesh, stop and pivot back to the outside)

QB still peeks to the post, checks the dig, then has two pivot routes underneath for outlet passes instead of the mesh.