Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 18 playbooks
Breakdown
PA TE Leak runs off an I Form Close play-action fake, holding the run block up front while the tight end leaks out late on a deep crossing route (the red route) that stretches all the way across the field behind the linebackers. On the backside, a receiver runs a deep comeback breaking outward while the other outlet runs a vertical seam up the numbers, giving you a three-level shot concept off run action. The primary read starts with the TE leak crossing route since he is schemed open by the play-action freeze, then works to the comeback route if the crosser is taken away, with the deep vertical as a shot play checkdown against busted coverage.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check if the defense is stacking the box with extra defenders near the line, since that alignment signals they expect run and sets up the TE leak to hit big. Identify single high safety looks (Cover 1 or Cover 3) pre-snap, as the deep comeback and vertical routes have more room to operate against those shells. Post-snap, watch linebacker depth and flow, if they crash hard on the play-action fake the leak lane opens up immediately across the middle. Beware of a user-controlled linebacker sitting in the shallow middle zone (lurking), since he can undercut the TE leak route if he reads play-action quickly. This play struggles against disciplined Cover 2 or Cover 4 zone shells with linebackers who hold their run fit responsibility instead of biting, as they can wall off the crosser and force a checkdown.
Usage Tips
Sell the play-action fake by letting the animation play out fully before you start your read, since bailing early kills the freeze effect on linebackers.
Use this against teams that key run from I Form Close personnel, since the heavy 21 personnel look bites hard on the fake and opens up the TE leak crosser behind the second level.
If you see man coverage on the tight end pre-snap, target the leak route immediately since it is a strong man beater against linebackers who cannot stay in phase across the field.
Against zone shells, watch for the flow of the linebackers and throw the leak route into the void created by their run fit, hitting him as soon as he clears the box.
Pair this with Power O or Inside Zone earlier in a drive to condition the defense to bite on run action, then call PA TE Leak on early downs like second and short to maximize the play-action window.
