Route Combos You Need to Know: Part IV

By popular demand I am getting back to my series on Route Combos you need to know.  Having defenders who are keen on how these work really gives them an edge when they are out on the field.  The quicker you can spot a route combination,  the better a defender’s anticipation would be.  Anticipation is the birth of interceptions.

In this article I will discuss two Cover 4 / Quarters Coverage beaters.  These two route combos are very good at playing tricks on the eyes of the cornerbacks on safeties and opening up space for big plays.  Mills Concept and Scissors concept are on deck today.

| Mills Concept |

Who Runs it

Basically any team can run it.  This is not solely a spread formation concept.  In fact,  the coach who invented this concept (or is widely credited with making it popular) Steve Spurrier ran it alot out of I formation.  It was typically paired with a draw fake to further wreak havoc on the safeties.  This concept can be run out of two back,  spread or even empty though it is less effective without at least one back in the backfield.

What is it

It’s pretty simple as you can see from the diagram above.  It is a dig by the inside (#2 receiver) paired with a post route behind it by the outside (#1 receiver).  It basically a body blow followed by a right hook to the defense.  It is intended to draw in the safety in either Cover 3 or 4 and leave the middle of the field wide open for the post.  Speed at the #1 receiver makes this particularly difficult to deal with.

Where Do They Run It

This route concept is typical from the (-20) your own 20 to the +35 to 40 yard line.  It is a big play you see run once teams get to midfield and feel a little more bold in terms of taking risks.  However,  this concept can get run any time the offense feels they will get the coverage they like (quarters, 4 or 3).

When Do They Run It

Mills is a nice play to run after sudden change.  Right after the opposing team turns the ball over,  Mills is a concept offenses like to unleash on the defense to seize the momentum.  It’s also,  as I mentioned earlier,  a nice play to run once the opponent enters midfield or into your territory.  It’s a big play waiting to happen.

How to Spot It

Best way to spot it is by how they line up.  Speed at #1 paired with a route runner at #2.  The best way to spot it however is by being aware of the situation.  After sudden change and team entering midfield area.  Also,  if your opponent has hit a few dig routes in front of the safety,  you can expect this play to come pretty soon thereafter.

How to Defend It

Obviously,  being a more suitable coverage than quarters / cover 4 or cover 3 would be best that is not always likely plus offense always has the luxury of checking to a play if they suspect the coverage they want is coming.  It is best to be sound in your coverage rules and execution.  Corners be ready to get over the top of 7, 8 and 9 routes.  Don’t be overly concerned with deep outs and comebacks.  Safeties who are keen enough to recognize the play potentially coming,  communicate with the cornerback to alert him that you might have to take the dig and that he will be on his own on the post.

| Scissors |

Who Runs It

This route combo is typically run by spread teams though it can be run out of any Twins formation pairing two receivers to one side.  This combo is at it’s best though when the offense spreads the defense out and occupies defenders away from the combo with other routes.

What is It

This combo pairs a ‘7’ route (corner) by the inside guy (#2 receiver) with a ‘8’ route (post) by the outside receiver.  It typically occurs with the corner route being run underneath the post but can be done with the post being run underneath the corner.

Where Do they Run It

This route combo needs space to be effective so it is typically run in the middle of the field (35 yard line to 35 yard line).  Like the Mills Concept it is a big play that is great to run after sudden change or a big play by the offense. In these situations,  the defense is likely to be frazzled,  possibly confused and prime for confusion vs. this concept.

When Do they Run It

This is not a play to go get a first down with so unless it’s 3rd and long,  you are not likely to see it on 3rd down.  It is a good 1st and 10 play after a turnover or when a team enters midfield.  It’s also good on “waste downs” when the offense is facing a 2nd and 4 or less where they can take a shot and if they fail,  they still have a reasonable 3rd down situation that they can convert.

Why Do They Run it

Offenses run this because it is a big play waiting to happen.  First of all,  it is pairing two deep routes together.  Second,  it has the ability to confuse the secondary and get a man wide open.  For example,  if the offense has had success running the Mills Concept on the defense.  The cornerback is likely to become very concerned about the post route.  Vs. the scissors concept,  he may take off with the post route.  The safety may turn the corner route loose based on the rules of the team’s quarters coverage.  This could lead to both players being on the post route.  The same could happen with the corner route thus leaving the post route open.

How to Spot It

First of all,  being aware of when this team likes to run this concept based on film study really helps.  Furthermore,  close splits between the #1 and #2 receiver especially into the boundary can be an indicator.  On occasion,  the #2 receiver being on the ball could give away this play.  Finally,  be aware of the in game situation.  Is it sudden change?  What could happen after the offense has a big run?  Where are we on the field,  is it time for the offense to take a shot?

How to Defend It

Communication is key.  Safety and cornerback have to be on the same page.  Both should know whether they are going to zone it vs. this concept which means the cornerback stays outside and the safety stays inside or ‘lock it’ meaning the safety will take the #2 receiver everywhere he goes after he passes the linebacker which means he takes the corner route and the cornerback locks onto the post route.

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alleyesdbcamp

Owner at All Eyes DB Camp

Chad Wilson is the founder of All Eyes DB Camp and a former standout defensive back for the Miami Hurricanes. After an elite collegiate career, Wilson spent a season with the Seattle Seahawks before transitioning into coaching. A 3-time Florida state champion defensive coordinator, he has spent over 20 years developing the "All Eyes" blueprint that has produced NFL All-Pros and stars like Xavien Howard, Patrick Surtain II, Tyson Campbell, Minkah Fitzpatrick and more. His coaching system is proven at the highest levels—his own sons, Quincy and Marco Wilson, both excelled as starters in the SEC before being drafted into the NFL.

Chad is the author of "101 DB Tips"—The Ultimate DB Reference Guide. You can find more information on the manual and how to order your copy in the sidebar and footer of this page.

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