Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Boot Comeback runs play action off the I Form Slot look, pulling the offensive line to sell run action while the QB boots to the flat. The slot receiver runs a comeback breaking back to the sideline at intermediate depth, the TE releases to the flat underneath, and the backside X runs a deep post crossing the field on a 15 yard cut, giving the QB a clear high low read from the boot side. This is a play-action pass built to beat man coverage by using the comeback break to create separation and a zone beater against teams that sink their flat defender and vacate the deep sideline.
Defensive Reads
Pre snap, identify if the cornerback over the slot is playing tight man or sitting off, tight man alignment signals the comeback route will win easily on the break. Watch the flat defender and outside linebacker for run fits, if they crash hard on the play fake the flat route to the TE opens up immediately. Post snap, key the deep safety rotation, single high shells struggle to get width to the boot side comeback in time. Look for user controlled defenders sitting in the shallow zone or lurking underneath, that threatens the TE flat route and pushes the read to the comeback or the post. Cover 3 and Cover 4 defenses with disciplined corners squatting on comeback routes can jump this throw, so respect the sit and read technique from zone corners before forcing the ball outside.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs or in 2nd and medium situations where the defense expects HB Blast or FB Dive Strong out of this same I Form Slot personnel to keep the run fake honest.
Boot the QB fully to sell the play action before hitting your first read on the comeback route, patience on the roll is key to letting the route breathe.
If the cornerback is playing off man, throw the comeback with anticipation right as the receiver plants and turns back to the ball.
Use the TE flat route as your check down against zone coverage or if the comeback is blanketed, especially against defenses sitting on the deep throw.
Pair this play with HB Power O or HB Toss earlier in a series to condition the defense to bite on run action, making the play action boot hit harder later in the drive.
