Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Ctr Waggle fakes the center run action from I Form Slot and pulls the QB on a waggle to the right side of the field off the fake. The route concept stacks three verticals releasing from a tight bunch: two inside receivers push straight up the seams while the outside receiver runs a corner style route out of the slot area, and a fourth receiver from the backfield or attached TE spot runs a delayed flat route breaking underneath after the play fakes left. This is a play-action man beater that stresses second level defenders with the run fake before flooding one side with layered verticals and an underneath flat outlet, and the primary read progression starts with the deepest seam route, works to the corner breaking route, then checks down to the flat if the pocket collapses on the waggle roll.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth pre-snap: if they are stacked tight to the line expecting run, this waggle concept will pull them out of position on the fake. Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, since single high defenses are more vulnerable to the double seam verticals stressing the middle of the field. Post-snap, track the flat defender on the play action side, because if he stays home in the flat it usually means the defense is sitting in zone and the verticals behind him are the answer. Look for a user lurking underneath in the middle of the field trying to jump the seam routes, since that is the most common way defenders take away this concept. Man coverage with no safety help over the top gets exposed by the corner route and outside seam, but disciplined Tampa 2 or Cover 3 shells with a deep middle defender can close the throwing window on the inside verticals.
Usage Tips
Sell the run fake by holding the ball fully into the animation before rolling out, since jumping the throw too early kills the play action leverage on linebackers.
Use this on early downs like first and ten or second and short when defenses are keyed to respect the run out of I Form personnel.
Read the flat defender first on the waggle roll: if he sits and covers the flat route, the seam and corner routes behind him should be wide open against zone drops.
Pair this with HB Power O or HB Blast earlier in a series so the defense commits to run fits, then hit them with this waggle concept once linebackers start creeping up.
If you get pressure off the edge on the roll side, throw the flat route quickly or check it down rather than trying to force the deeper seam or corner throw on the run.
