Mesh features two receivers running shallow crossing routes that create natural rubs (picks) against man coverage. It's one of football's most effective concepts against man-to-man defense.
Overview
Mesh is a crossing concept designed to beat man coverage through natural rubs. Two receivers run shallow crossing routes from opposite sides, passing each other at about 5-6 yards depth. As they cross, their routes create natural picks on trailing defenders.
The concept also includes vertical routes (usually by the outside receivers or tight ends) that clear out and threaten deep. The quarterback reads the shallow crossers, throwing to the one who gets the best separation from the rub.
Mesh is a staple of Air Raid offenses and has been adopted by teams at all levels. It's particularly effective in the red zone, where tight spaces make man coverage common and the crossing routes are difficult to defend.
History & Origin
Mesh became a signature concept of the Air Raid offense. Hal Mumme and Mike Leach refined crossing routes to create systematic picks against man coverage, making it a core concept of their system.
Key Principles
- 1Two receivers run shallow crossing routes
- 2Crossers pass each other at 5-6 yards depth
- 3Natural rub/pick occurs at the crossing point
- 4Outside receivers run vertical clear-outs
- 5Quarterback reads separation on the crossers
- 6Works best against man coverage
- 7Crossers must maintain proper depth and timing
When to Use
Mesh is the go-to concept against man coverage. Use it in the red zone, on third downs, and whenever you see press man or man-under looks. It's also effective against zone when the crossers find the void.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Excellent against man coverage
- +Natural picks create separation
- +Red zone staple
- +Simple read for quarterback
- +Creates yards after catch
Disadvantages
- −Less effective against zone (no rub)
- −Requires precise timing on routes
- −Pick can be called illegal if too obvious
- −Crossers must avoid colliding with each other
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Leach | — | Mesh | Air Raid terminology |
| Lincoln Riley | USC | Mesh | Core Air Raid concept |
| Kliff Kingsbury | — | Mesh | Red zone staple |
What You Need
Skills and jobs required to run this scheme effectively.
Critical
Mesh crossers find windows vs zone
Find void in zone coverage and settle. Read coverage and communicate with QB.
High
Work the mesh crossers
Work through receivers methodically. Eyes, patience, and processing.
Medium
Mesh puts receivers in traffic
Secure ball with contact coming. Concentration and toughness.
Inside release to run mesh
Beat press coverage at the line of scrimmage. Technique, hands, and footwork.
Matchups
Good Against
- +Man coverage
- +Press man
- +Cover 1
- +Red zone man
Avoid Against
- −Zone coverage (no rub)
- −Pattern-matching zone
- −Zone drops
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓Two receivers with precise route timing
- ✓QB who can read separation
- ✓Spacing and depth discipline
When NOT to Use This
- !Pick can be flagged if too obvious
- !Less effective vs zone
- !Crossers must avoid collision