Black and Gold X's and O's | Identifying Concepts: The Crossing Route

For the next eight weeks, I will write one column a week regarding different concepts the Saints will use either on offense or in defensive packages in 2009. Today's version deals with some of the intricacies of the Crossing Route, which has become a staple of pretty much every NFL offense, although few teams do it as well as the Saints. A key to understanding the crossing route is to understand the purpose of the route. The main idea is to create a matchup problem either with a receiver on a linebacker, or a Tight End on a player that cannot cover him. Generally, it is advisable to throw this pass after the receiver has cleared the extended pocket, for two reasons. First, the quarterback has less of a chance of having such a pass deflected by a big defensive tackle. Second, this allows the receiver to clear the coverage but still gives him room to run with the ball after he makes the catch. Most crossing routes are designed to beat zone coverage, but some are also built to beat ... (link)