Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn PA Counter is a play-action shot play built off a counter run fake from I Form Y Off Close, 21 personnel. The counter action from the backfield holds the linebackers and safeties, opening up three vertical stem routes: a deep out breaking route from the backside receiver, a corner route from the TE/slot that angles up and out at the top of the stem, and a straight vertical seam from the X receiver on the right. Primary read progression starts with the vertical shot on the right (X), works to the corner breaking route as the second read, and comes back to the deep out as the checkdown against zone drops.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single-high versus two-high safety alignment since single-high leaves the seam and corner route in a bind against man coverage. Watch linebacker depth at the snap: if they crash hard on the counter fake, the seam and corner routes will open up quickly behind them. Post-snap, key the cornerback on the deep out route since sitting zone corners will jump this route and bait a turnover if you force it. Beware disguised zone blitzes or Cover 3 buzz looks where the safety rotates down to take away the corner route while an underneath defender walls off the deep out. This play struggles against Cover 4 or quarters coverage with disciplined safeties who stay deep and do not bite on the play-action fake, since all three routes get covered vertically.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs (1st or 2nd and short to medium) when the defense is keying run action from your I Form personnel and base run tendencies.
Look for single-high safety shells pre-snap since the play-action counter fake holds the safety and opens the vertical seam and corner route behind it.
Hot route the deep out to a comeback or hitch if you see a cornerback sitting on it in zone, and check the corner route to a fade if the defense shows two-high safety looks.
Pair this with HB Counter Wk or Mtn Counter Solid earlier in a series so the defense bites on run action before you call this shot play to punish overaggressive linebackers.
Take the shot to the vertical seam route first against man coverage, and only progress to the corner route or deep out if the safety rotates over the top.
