Y-Cross
The tight end crosses at 12–15 yards
A staple of the Air Raid and the Shanahan tree alike: the formation clears out deep — a post or a go occupies the safeties — while the tight end (the Y) releases across the field at 12 to 15 yards, running away from the coverage that honored the clear-out side. The quarterback gets a big body running free across his face.
When it applies
Against man coverage and match quarters — the cross out-runs linebackers and stresses the poach rules.
+ StrengthsA tight end at full speed across the field against linebackers; answers both man and zone.
− Trade-offsNeeds time and protection — if the rush arrives first, the cross never gets there.
Filed under: Pass concepts