The Mesh concept is a classic man-beater that creates rubs and picks as players run across the field. While primarily used against man coverage, it can also be effective against zone by having receivers throttle down in open space.

Mesh is a short to intermediate concept that works to create natural picks/confusion for the defense. Against man coverage, it allows playmakers to stay on the move. Against zone, it empowers receivers to find voids in coverage, and allow the QB to find completions.

Mesh isn’t one defined thing. But at its core, it’s a point on the field where two targets cross, sewing chaos forcing the man in coverage to make a choice. The mesh point is created simply when two guys on offense run across the field, hoping to mash the respective defensive backs covering them into each other like some Keystone Kops cosplay.

The Mesh Concept is a fundamental part of any Air Raid offense. The basic idea is that inside receivers on each side of the line run shallow crossing routes as close to each other as possible, creating a natural “pick” that the defense needs to navigate.