Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Boot from I Form Pro (21 personnel) sells the play-action fake to the backfield before the QB rolls out toward the boot side, buying time and creating a run-pass conflict for the edge defenders. On the diagram, the outside receiver to the boot side runs a deep dig that breaks flat across the field as the throwback option, the TE or slot runs a shallow flat route underneath the boot action as the quick outlet, and the backside receiver runs a deep in-route crossing the field as a secondary read. This is a play-action man beater and zone-flow beater built to punish defenses that bite on the run fake or over-pursue the rollout, with the primary progression starting on the flat route for the quick easy completion, then working to the deep dig/crosser combo if the flat is covered and the pocket holds up on the boot.
Defensive Reads
Identify single high versus two high safety shells pre-snap, single high defenses are more vulnerable to the deep dig and crosser combo since the extra run defender is closer to the box. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they step up hard on the run fake the flat route and the shallow crossing route will be wide open underneath. Key the flow of the defense post-snap, zone defenses that flow hard with the play fake leave the boot side flat and dig lanes vacated. Man coverage defenders trailing routes from behind get exposed on the deep dig break, look for a user linebacker or safety attempting to jump the route as a lurk threat. Edge defenders and outside linebackers who stay disciplined and contain the rollout QB will shut this down, if you see contain rushers staying home rather than crashing on the fake, expect pressure on the boot side quickly.
Usage Tips
Run this out of early down and medium distance situations (1st and 10 or 2nd and 5-7) where defenses expect run based on the 21 personnel and I Form alignment.
Pre-snap, check for linebackers creeping into run fits or safeties sitting shallow, both indicate the play fake will pull defenders out of position for the boot throwback.
If the defense shows heavy blitz pre-snap, hot route the flat route into a quick out or slide protection to the boot side to protect the rollout QB.
Sequence this after running HB Blast, HB Iso, or FB Dive Fake HB earlier in a series so linebackers start keying run fits hard off the I Form look, making the boot fake more effective.
Pair this with Sluggos or PA Gos from the same formation to keep defenders honest on deep shots, then dial up PA Boot when you see safeties creeping toward the run threat.
