Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA Deep In runs a play-action fake out of Pistol Deuce with 12 personnel to hold the linebackers before attacking downfield. Off the run fake, the backside TE runs a deep in that crosses the field over the middle, the frontside slot TE runs a corner route that crosses under the outside receiver's vertical, and the outside receiver runs straight up the seam, while the fullback or inline blocker checks down into the flat off a quick out. The primary read starts with the deep in crossing route, then progresses to the seam vertical and the corner route working the deep sideline as the play-action freezes underneath defenders.
Defensive Reads
Watch for linebackers stepping up hard on the run fake, this confirms man or blitz coverage and opens the deep in route behind them. Identify single high safety looks pre-snap, this signals man coverage underneath and makes the deep in and corner route dangerous man beaters. Track the flat defender after the snap, if he sinks with the corner route crossing under him, the underneath flat option becomes wide open. Against Cover 3 or Cover 4 zone shells, look for the deep in route to settle into the soft spot between the underneath zone and the deep zone defenders. Beware disguised two high shells that roll into man coverage post snap, this can leave the seam route in single coverage but also puts a robber underneath the deep in crossing route.
Usage Tips
Sell the play-action fake by holding the left stick momentarily before dropping back so linebackers bite on the run action.
Use this on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage when defenses expect HB Dive or HB Zone Wk from this personnel group.
Check safety depth pre-snap, if you see two deep safeties sitting at 10 plus yards, the deep in route sitting down against zone becomes your first read.
Hot route the flat route into a shallow drag or delay if the defense shows a heavy blitz look, giving the quarterback a faster outlet against pressure.
Pair this play with HB Dive and HB Counter earlier in a series to condition the defense to bite on run action, then hit PA Deep In when linebackers start creeping up.
