Playbooks
PA Boot Rt is a play-action bootleg out of the Pistol Full Panther set that sells HB Dive WK or HB Power O action before the QB rolls out to the right edge. The offensive line executes run blocking steps to freeze the second level, while the backside tight end or fullback works a delayed drag underneath as the outside receiver runs a deep out or corner route to stretch the boundary. This is a play-action man beater designed to attack overaggressive linebackers and safeties who bite on the run fake, with the primary read progression starting on the flat/drag route underneath, then working out to the deep comeback or corner route if the underneath defender sits.
Identify safety depth pre-snap, if both safeties are shaded deep with two-high shells, the play should still work against man coverage but be cautious of a robber defender sitting on the drag. Watch the play side flat defender at the snap, if he widens immediately to take away the drag, your deep out or corner route should be open behind him. Key the middle linebacker or Mike, if he steps up hard on the run fake and does not carry the boot action, throw the underneath drag for an easy conversion. Against user-controlled defenders, watch for a spy or lurk defender sitting in the throwing lane, since experienced opponents will bait the QB rollout with a delayed blitz off the edge. This play struggles against Cover 4 quarters or a hard edge contain call, since a disciplined force defender can squeeze the boot and take away both the throw and the run option.
Run this play on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and medium) after you have already shown HB Dive WK or HB Power O from the same formation to condition the defense to respect the run fake.
Check the flat defender and the curl/flat zone defender pre-snap, if you see Cover 3 or Cover 1 with an aggressive linebacker crashing downhill, this is your green light to boot right.
Use the rollout to buy time against the edge rusher on the play side, since the boot naturally moves the pocket away from a contained backside pass rush.
If the defense shows Cover 2 or Cover 4 with the corner sitting on the flat route, hot route your outside receiver to a corner or fade to attack the void behind the cornerback.
Pair this play with Read Option and Triple Option earlier in a drive to keep linebackers honest, then dial up PA Boot Rt to punish overpursuit on the QB read keys.