NFL Pass Concept #4 : Sail/Flood Route Concept

 The Sail Route is another common concept around the NFL. It is used by various NFL Teams from any formation.

The Routes and principles are similar but can be varied based on what you do with the slot/rb.

Front side 

1. The outside wr will run a post or at times a go route

2. The #2 wr runs the sail route at 12-14 yards

3. The rb or if in trips the #3 wr runs a flat route. If 2x2 some teams will run the shallow cross from the backside as well as a drive concept variation.

4. Lastly the backside wr will run a dig route

Read progression vs zone 

1. sneak a peak to the post (especially vs cover 4) then read the curl flat defender for the sail to the rb or the sail route to the crosser if they run the shallow crosser instead of the back to the flat If the safety drives on the shorter routes or deep out, don’t be afraid to throw the post.

Vs Cover 3

The Flat defender is in conflict which opens up the deep out.

Sail vs cover 3