Yankee
Backside post + deep over off play-action
Yankee is a Shanahan-tree shot play. Off run action, the backside outside receiver runs a 15-yard skinny post breaking inside, while the frontside tight end or slot crosses the field on a deep over at 18 to 20 yards behind the post. The two routes converge on the single deep safety from opposite sides at different levels. Against MOF-closed coverage (Cover 1 or Cover 3), the safety cannot honor both. Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, and Mike McDaniel all run this as their go-to opening-script shot play paired with wide zone run action.
Route Assignments
Backside skinny post at 15 yards — the "yankee" route that pulls the single high safety to the post.
Deep over at 18 yards crossing from the frontside behind the post — the throw if the safety jumps the post.
Clear-out vertical up the right sideline to remove the deep corner from the over route.
Shallow drag underneath as the third read if both deep routes are bracketed.
Sells run action then check-releases to the backside flat as a safety valve.
Read Progression
Read the single deep safety. If he stays on top of the post, throw the deep over crossing behind him. If he widens to the over, hit the post inside. The drag and check-release are full-field cleanup options.
Why It Works
A single high safety cannot defend two routes converging from opposite sides at staggered depths. The post pulls him toward one hash, the deep over crosses behind him from the other. Whichever leverage he plays, the QB throws the other route.