Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Deep Read out of I Form Close 21 personnel sells the run fake before releasing four routes designed to attack every level of the defense. The play side (yellow) TE runs a deep vertical up the numbers while the backside receiver runs a matching go route up the seam, stacking two verticals to stress deep coverage. Underneath, the yellow out and blue drag work from the backfield area to the flat and across the middle as check down and rhythm options, giving the quarterback a true half field deep read progression: verticals first, then work down to the flat or drag against zone drops.
Defensive Reads
Key the safety depth pre-snap since Cover 3 and Cover 1 shells leave one deep defender exposed to the double vertical stress on the seam and TE go routes. Watch for a user controlled safety rotating late to lurk over the seam route, which is the most vulnerable route against a disciplined post snap rotation. Check linebacker depth at the snap, since aggressive run blitz fits or linebackers biting hard on the play fake open up the drag route running underneath for an easy conversion. Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells with two deep safeties are the toughest coverage to beat here since they can bracket both verticals, forcing the quarterback down to the flat or drag. Watch for a nano blitz or edge pressure package since play action rollout protection can break down quickly if the offensive line is outnumbered at the point of attack.
Usage Tips
Use the play action fake early in games or on run heavy downs like 2nd and short to freeze linebackers and hold the safeties before the verticals break open.
Identify single high shells like Cover 3 or Cover 1 pre-snap since the stacked verticals on both sides put max stress on one deep defender per side.
If you see two high safeties, look to hot route the drag into a deeper crossing route or check it down quickly to the flat against Cover 2 or Cover 4 zone drops.
Pair this with HB Zone Toss or Power O earlier in a drive to sell the run action and make the play fake on PA Deep Read hold defenders longer.
On 3rd and medium, use the flat route as your first read against man coverage since it beats off man leverage quickly before working to the vertical shots.
