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

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Often times, if the corner is showing "press," the Saints will convert this to a one-step instead of the more conventional three-step slant.

Additionally, it is possible to convert the route to a go-route or something else that fits against that given defender.

And almost always in goal-line situations, the slant is automatically a one-step.

Once the snap is taken, Brees now must read to see if a linebacker or safety is playing what's called curl-to-flat. Curl-to-flat is the area where the slant will generally end up.

Even if he is playing this zone, it is possible to still throw the route if the linebacker/defender drops his pads or turns his shoulders, which is generally an indication that he is running straight toward the flat (sideline).

Ideally, that is what both QB and receiver want.  But, if he stays balanced and straight up, the QB must then check off.

Most of the time, when a slant is called, there will be a corresponding out-breaking route in order to occupy that linebacker/defender.

Thus the reason why the slant is so effective for New Orleans is because that out-breaking route is often a swing or flat route performed by Reggie Bush.

Ultimately, a linebacker is going to view Reggie as more dangerous than Marques Colston.

Best Slant Receiver for the Saints:  Marques Colston

Other Slant Concepts

There are two main routes that are based off the success of the slant route that New Orleans and most offenses use.

The more well-known is called a "sluggo" or slant-and-go.

Within this alteration, the receiver still runs his slant in much the same way, but this plays on that linebacker who plays the slant, and an aggressive safety who desires to come up and make a mind-blowing hit.

Because a linebacker and safety both get overanxious, the receiver must only provide another stick back toward the sideline.

He then gets vertical on the seam.

At the corresponding time that the receiver gives his initial stick on the slant, the QB will often pump his way, hitch up, and prepare to throw the seam route, which is generally wide open.

Unfortunately, this route doesn't work as well against a cover-two defense where the safeties, while aggressive, don't allow anyone behind them.

But, against a cover 0 (no safety) or one Man (one deep safety) occupied by deep routes on the other side, this can still be successful.

Best Sluggo Receiver:  Marques Colston

The second, and more common in today's game is the whip or pivot route.

Once again, the receiver will do everything he does in the slant route. Only now, after he sticks, he will take one step and then plant his stick foot in the ground and literally pivot to "box out" the linebacker.

This is eerily reminiscent of a basketball move.

He then must work himself back toward the sideline at worst flat. If he goes upfield, the route is ruined.

It is okay, to an extent, if he even brings his route back to the quarterback (always a key coaching point: it's better to come back than to drift upfield).

But ideally, he would stay exactly straight back toward the sideline to keep the spacing since there could also be a flat or swing route coming in the same direction.

Best Whip Route Receiver:  Devery Henderson

Believe it or not, there is actually a lot more I could have wrote about this route because it is even more complex than I have shared.

But, if you understand these concepts, then you have a pretty good feeling of what a slant route is and how, when, and why it can be effective.

Until next week, Geaux Saints!

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