Top 3rd down Passing Concepts in the NFL 3rd and 4-6

I love to study 3rd down situations on both sides of the ball and have found many of the same route concepts just run from different formations and motions. This study looks at some used on 3rd and 4-6. These are universal routes(good vs zone and man) but have great merit vs man. I see these routes often and can be run with some wrinkles.

1. Mesh

Mesh is probably one of the most popular route concepts on 3rd down because it has answers vs zone and man. You also get some great rub and natural pick routes on the play.

The Eagles run it below with tear motion.

Example #2

The #1 WR ends up picking for the RB and the TE for the #2 WR coming across the other direction.

Mesh Clips!

Mesh out of 13P

The Colts run mesh out of 13P on 3rd and 5.

2. Shadow

This is a combination concept. It’s dagger, y cross and shallow all combined into 1.

Shadow is another favorite of mine as it has great answers vs man and zone. This route is often run 3rd and 4-6 for this reason.

5 clips of the Shadow concept below.

3. Mesh with Dagger

This is a 3x1 route concept as you are adding dagger to the trips side. It is highly effective vs zone and man and has answers to both. It can be run with zone and man

Running this combination route is effective.

I have full explanations of these route concepts on my site. Just click on the following articles to see them!

Mesh Dagger Variation

Shadow Concept

Shallow Cross Concept

I hope you enjoyed this article and my analysis of the top 3 route concepts on 3rd down!