Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA Pin Deep is a play-action shot play out of Pistol Trips Open with a max protect look built in behind the run fake. The backside X runs a deep comeback while the inline TY/slot from the trips side clears out on a corner route to the deep sideline, and the third trips receiver runs a deep crosser working from the numbers all the way across the field, with the HB releasing on a checkdown flat route underneath. The primary read is the deep crosser first for a explosive play against man leverage, then work back to the backside comeback if the crosser is capped, with the HB flat route as the checkdown against pressure.
Defensive Reads
Watch for two deep safeties pre-snap indicating Cover 2 or Cover 4 zone drops, which can squeeze the deep crosser if linebackers carry it properly. A single high safety pre-snap often means Cover 1 or Cover 3, and the deep crosser becomes a strong man beater against trailing defenders. Key the flat defender and underneath linebackers after the snap. If they widen to the HB flat route, the crosser has more room to work in the intermediate middle zone. Watch for a user-controlled lurk defender sitting in the shallow to intermediate middle zone, since this can jump the deep crosser if the quarterback stares it down too long. Disguised zone blitzes with five or six rushers can force a quick decision. If the offensive line is not sliding protection correctly, be ready to hit the HB checkdown immediately.
Usage Tips
Sell the play-action fake fully before dropping back so linebackers bite and open passing lanes for the deep crosser.
Check safety depth pre-snap. If both safeties are deep at 10-plus yards, you are likely facing Cover 2 or Cover 4, so target the deep crosser sitting between zones.
If you see man coverage indicators like press corners or a single high safety rotating late, prioritize the deep crosser since it creates natural separation crossing the field against man leverage.
Use hot routes to keep the HB in as a blocker on obvious money downs if you are getting home pressure, converting this into a pure shot play with extra protection.
Pair this with HB Slip Screen or HB Draw from the same formation to keep defenses honest on run fits before dialing up this shot play once linebackers start crashing downhill.
