Playbooks

PA Deep In

Pistol·Spread·10

Play Action Pass Play

Play diagram for PA Deep In from Pistol Spread in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationPistol

SetSpread

Personnel

101 RB · 0 TE · 4 WR

In 6 playbooks

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Breakdown

PA Deep In is a play-action pass out of the Pistol Spread 10 personnel look, using the run fake to hold linebackers before releasing four vertical stems into the intermediate and deep zones. The backside X runs a deep in that cuts hard across the middle, the two inside receivers push vertical seams with one breaking outside toward the sideline, and the play side outlet runs a shallow drag back across the formation as a checkdown against pressure. Read the deep in first since it is the built in man beater against off coverage, work to the crossing seam route in the middle of the field if that window is closed, and use the drag as your answer versus the blitz.

Defensive Reads

Look for linebacker depth before the snap, shallow linebackers who are keying the run fake will vacate the middle and open a large throwing window for the deep in route. Identify single high safety looks, since the deep in route attacks the void created when the free safety has to respect the vertical seam threat. Watch for user controlled defenders sitting in a lurk position over the middle, an aggressive user linebacker or safety can jump the deep in route and turn it into a pick six. Cover 3 with an aggressive robber underneath the deep in is the toughest shell to beat, since the flat defender and the lurk can squeeze the throwing lane together. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is where this play thrives, the deep in creates natural separation off the play fake and the receiver breaks open before the corner can recover.

Usage Tips

Sell the play fake by holding the left stick long enough to bait linebackers, since this play depends on the run action to open the deep in window over the middle.

Check safety depth before the snap, if you see two high shells the deep in has room to work between the hash marks, if you see a single high safety rotate your first read to the seam route breaking away from the rotation.

Use the drag route as a built in checkdown against disguised pressure or a nano blitz, it clears out underneath and gives you a safety valve when the deep in is late developing.

Pair this play with Y Stick or Quick Slants earlier in a series to condition the defense to expect quick game, then dial up PA Deep In to hit the deep in route once linebackers start jumping short routes.

Best used on second and long or first down to keep defenses honest, avoid third and short situations where the play fake loses its effectiveness against a defense expecting pass.