How Do You Determine Whether A Reciever Is A Slot Receiver Or Not?

[Skip727]

I just thought I would throw this out there since the talk is Mason and Boldin can play all 3 positions and Stallworth can play 2 receiving positions.

What makes a receiver a good "slot" receiver as opposed to a wideout?

Just asking for some opinions.

[ml63440]

Well, Stallworth can play slot. There are generally 3 different positions, x y and z. X plays on the opposite side of the tightend and is on the line of scrimmage. Y is the slot usually off the line, and between the X receiver and the linemen, and Z is to the split to the opposite side off the line of scrimmage. Z is usually your number one9but not always)since he isn't on the line, giving him more separation from the CBs so he isn't getting jammed right off the bat. Stallworth can play y and z, he isn't good in the x position where he isn't going to get jammed.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='Skip727' date='12 March 2010 - 11:14 AM' timestamp='1268410456' post='375538']
I just thought I would throw this out there since the talk is Mason and Boldin can play all 3 positions and Stallworth can play 2 receiving positions.

What makes a receiver a good "slot" receiver as opposed to a wideout?

Just asking for some opinions.
[/quote]

A slot receiver lines up between the line and a Flanker/Split End. Really there isn't a lot of difference in the skill sets, they still need to have good hands and route running abilities. A lot of slot receivers in the NFL now seem to be smaller guys who are quick and shifty to provide a speed mismatch if they're being covered by a linebacker. But a big, physical receiver can also be very good in the slot because they're better suited to go over the middle and take some hits. Sometimes teams will even put their #1 receiver in the slot on certain plays to create mismatches.

I'd say what makes a good "slot" receiver is the same as what makes a good wideout... hands, route running, agility, speed, toughness, and size all come into play.

[edreedfromtheu]

Well... the Ravens used almost all of their receivers in the slot last year. Mason, Clayton, Kelley Washington, and Demetrius Williams all lined up in the slot at some point throughout the season.

The slot receiver USUALLY is the receiver that teams put in motion before a play. That gives them a little "head start" because they can already be at full speed when the ball is snapped, which can really give you an advantage.

In Arizona, Anquan Boldin lined up in the slot more often than any other of their receivers. He's big, physical, and uses his body to protect the ball well. Because he's big, he makes a great target over the middle of the field. He's not the fastest guy, but his other assets make him a decent option in the slot. On running plays, there's probably not a better blocking wide receiver in the league. So having him closer to the middle of the field helps for run blocking.

Chris Mortenson seems to think the Ravens will use Derrick Mason in the slot more often this year. I argued with him on Twitter, and he ended up saying... it's just a guess.

Derrick Mason runs some of the best comeback routes on the sideline in the game, so I have a hard time seeing them put Boldin on the outside with Mason in the slot.

Either way, to answer your question... any type of receiver can play the slot. It's really about what fits best for that specific team and that specific QB.

[shaikh015]

[quote name='ml63440' date='12 March 2010 - 12:22 PM' timestamp='1268410948' post='375543']
Well, Stallworth can play slot. There are generally 3 different positions, x y and z. X plays on the opposite side of the tightend and is on the line of scrimmage. Y is the slot usually off the line, and between the X receiver and the linemen, and Z is to the split to the opposite side off the line of scrimmage. Z is usually your number one9but not always)since he isn't on the line, giving him more separation from the CBs so he isn't getting jammed right off the bat. Stallworth can play y and z, he isn't good in the x position where he isn't going to get jammed.
[/quote]
X=Mason
x=Boldin
Y=Stallworth
Z= Clayton

Now plug in the variables and see what you come up with?

[AsianRice]

[quote name='shaikh015' date='15 March 2010 - 10:05 AM' timestamp='1268665527' post='376715']
X=Mason
x=Boldin
Y=Stallworth
Z= Clayton

Now plug in the variables and see what you come up with?
[/quote]

A PS3 controller?

[DocMartin]

[quote name='Skip727' date='12 March 2010 - 12:14 PM' timestamp='1268410456' post='375538']
I just thought I would throw this out there since the talk is Mason and Boldin can play all 3 positions and Stallworth can play 2 receiving positions.

What makes a receiver a good "slot" receiver as opposed to a wideout?

Just asking for some opinions.
[/quote]
Easiest way to explain it is, when there are 3 WR's on the field, two of them split, the 3rd one in the middle is usually "the slot receiver". Sometimes they line up in a different formation, just to confuse the defense, but most of the time "slot" starts in the middle, and a lot of time in the motion before the snap. Wes Welker of NE is the slot receiver, makes a lot of catches across the middle.

[Reddawn36]

[quote name='AsianRice' date='15 March 2010 - 11:58 AM' timestamp='1268668685' post='376739']
A PS3 controller?
[/quote]
that had me laughing pretty hard