Playbooks
PA FB Dive out of Trio Right in the Flexbone is a play-action shot play that sells the fullback dive fake to freeze linebackers and hold the second level, then attacks downfield off the run fake. The offensive line executes down blocks to mirror the FB Dive run scheme, buying the quarterback time to work through his play-action progression while the backfield action manipulates run fits. This is a man beater at its core, designed to exploit linebackers and safeties who bite on the fullback fake, with the primary read progression starting at the deep shot route off the play-action, working down to any intermediate crossers or the check-down option if the deep window is not there.
Key the middle linebacker and any second level defenders immediately after the snap, if they step up hard on the fullback fake you have a wide open throwing window behind them Identify the safety shell pre-snap, a single high safety who creeps down into run support is the biggest indicator this play will hit big, while a true two high shell that stays disciplined post-snap is a red flag to check down Watch for blitz packages that send extra defenders through the box on early down run looks, since PA FB Dive exploits that aggressive run blitz mentality by attacking the vacated space behind it This play struggles against disciplined zone shells where linebackers stay square and read through the fullback action instead of committing, so avoid forcing it into a defense that has already sat back in zone coverage on previous snaps Beware of user-controlled defenders spying the play-action or sitting in a lurk technique in the shallow to intermediate zone, since a heads up human defender can jump the throwing lane if the fake does not sell
Run this play on early downs (1st and 2nd, or 3rd and short) when you have already established FB Dive and FB Dive Wk as legitimate run threats in the same drive or game plan
Watch pre-snap for linebackers creeping up into the box or safeties rotating down, since that aggressive run support is exactly what this play-action shot is designed to punish
If the defense shows a two high shell pre-snap and stays true to it post-snap, be ready to check down quickly rather than forcing the deep shot into a sound zone look
Sequence this play right after a couple of hard-nosed FB Dive or FB Trap runs so the defense has film and habit built up on biting the fake, then hit them with PA FB Dive for the explosive gain
Use hot routes to adjust the underneath option into a quick out or drag versus man coverage if you need a faster developing throw against a jersey-tight cornerback