Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 96 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Spot out of Goal Line Offense uses play-action to freeze the front seven before working a two-man route combo to the play side. The tight end runs a corner route off the top of the formation while the second receiver settles underneath on a shallow spot route, creating a high-low stretch on the flat defender or hook zone player. This is a Cover 3 beater built to attack the void between the flat defender and the deep third defender, with the corner route clearing space for the spot route to sit down for an easy pitch and catch.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is stacked in the box expecting run, since that indicates linebackers will bite on the play-action and open the spot route window. Watch the deep safety alignment before the snap: single high safety means Cover 3 is live and this play has a natural answer, two safeties means the corner route is likely taken away. Post-snap, key the flat or hook defender's reaction to the play fake, since any delay in his drop opens the spot route for an easy completion. User the cornerback over the corner route if you are on defense, since jumping that route removes the deep answer and forces the quarterback to check down into a contested underneath window. Watch for a robber or lurk defender sitting in the shallow zone, as a disciplined linebacker who does not bite on the run fake can jump the spot route and create a turnover opportunity.
Usage Tips
Use this play in short yardage or goal line packages where defenses expect a heavy run look, since the play-action fake will hold linebackers and safeties.
Check the pre-snap safety alignment: if you see a single high safety indicating Cover 3, the corner and spot combo is designed specifically to attack that shell.
Progression read is corner route first to see if the cornerback bites on the run fake, then come down to the spot route sitting underneath if the corner is covered.
Pair this play with HB Dive or FB Dive from the same set to sell the run fake harder, then call PA Spot once the defense starts crashing downhill on early downs.
If the defense shows Cover 2 or Cover 4 with two deep safeties, consider hot routing the underneath receiver to a quick out or checking to a different concept since the corner route will be capped.
