Matt Waldman defines the basic concepts of route running against zone coverage in this edition of the RSP NFL Scouting Glossary with the help of a play from North Carolina NFL Draft Prospect, WR Josh Downs.

Zone Routes Are A Different Animal

Most conversations about route-running are devoted to beating defenders playing one-on-one against a receiver. Zone coverage is a significant part of defensive football and there's more to it than simply finding an open spot.

Receivers have to see the coverage the same as their quarterback. They also have to understand how to manipulate the position of defenders to create open spots, maximize the potential space within that open area, and communicate in a timely and accurate manner to the quarterback that they are open and ready for the football.

The Basic Techniques of Zone Routes

Scanning the Field.

Identifying the potential coverage triangles of defenders that will factor into the route.

Identifying the defender in the second level of the field:

A shallow safety.

A dropping defensive lineman.

A linebacker in the shallow or intermediate.

A cornerback playing the shallow/intermediate zone.

Building to Depth: Stretching the coverage to create a wide-enough hole in the zone.

Widening the position of defenders with the initial path (stem) of the route.

Working to an appropriate depth to force defenders playing deep to retreat or play on their heels.

Throttling Down to the Appropriate Spot:

Identifying when the defender is presenting favorable leverage for the receiver to make his break.

Snapping the turn of the break so the change of direction and pace is sudden to maximize separation.

Turning the head and chest to make a friendly target with the quarterback.

Tempo the Break:

Adjusting whether to throttle down to a specific spot or slowing the pace of a moving break based on the route and the position of defenders in the coverage triangle.

The objective is not to run into another defender's area and give him room to undercut or cut off the target.

Showing the Eyes at the Right Moment: The eyes communicate to the quarterback back when you're ready for the ball.

What It Looks Like on Film with UNC WR Josh Downs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK_yoIO5B3w&list=PLX1Nx57UJgZnFoNiGj7K9qxCSXZVMtENm&index=9&t=252s

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