Playbooks

PA Scissors

I Form·Pro·21
Play ActionScissorsPass PlayCover 2 BeaterCover 4 Beater
Play diagram for PA Scissors from I Form Pro in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationI Form
SetPro

In 28 playbooks

Fix OffenseOffenseBalanced OffenseOffenseBalanced Run OffenseOffenseBenkert OffenseOffenseEagles OffenseOffenseFranchise Offense MaddenOffenseLegends OffenseOffenseMadden OffenseOffensePatriots OffenseOffensePower Run OffenseOffenseRaiders OffenseOffenseRun N Gun OffenseOffense

Breakdown

PA Scissors out of I Form Pro (21 personnel) sells the play action fake to the HB before the QB works a scissors concept on the play side. The Y (TE) runs a deep crossing route from the strong side that cuts across the field while the flanker runs a corner/deep out that crosses underneath it, creating the classic scissors crossing pattern. The backside X runs a dig/out combo working underneath, and a check release out of the backfield gives a shallow outlet to the flat. This is a play-action pass built as a Cover 2 and Cover 4 beater, with the primary read starting on the crossing routes (deep crosser to the corner route) before working down to the underneath dig and flat option.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, identify two deep safeties at depth since that shell tells you Cover 2 or Cover 4 is likely in play, both of which this concept is designed to exploit. Watch the flow of the linebackers after the play fake. Aggressive run fits from the Mike and Will linebackers open up the shallow crossing window and the backside dig. Track the play side corner. If he sinks with the corner route instead of jumping the underneath crosser, the quarterback should climb the pocket and let the deep route develop. Beware of a user controlled safety sitting in the middle of the field looking to jump the deep crosser. If you see him break early, the flat or checkdown becomes the safer outlet. This concept struggles against man coverage with underneath robber help or against a hard corner blitz off the edge, since the play action fake slows the quarterback's ability to get the ball out quickly.

Usage Tips

Use this on early downs or in normal down and distance situations when defenses are more willing to bite on the run fake from I Form personnel.

Check the safety alignment before the snap. Two high safeties sitting at 10-12 yards is your green light since this play is built to attack Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells.

Key the play side safety after the snap. If he stays deep and does not jump the crosser, hit the deep corner route for an explosive gain over the top.

If the underneath defenders sink hard into the crossing routes, work the checkdown or the backside dig since linebackers flowing to the play fake often leave that window open.

Pair this play with HB Blast Alert Z Lookie or 26 Duo out of the same formation to keep defenses honest on the run fake, then hit them with PA Scissors once they start crashing downhill on early downs.

Other Plays in Pro