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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
PA TE Slide runs a play-action fake out of Pistol Weak I Wing that opens up a slide route from the in-line tight end working from the backside across the field into the flat, while both outside receivers push vertical up the numbers. The fullback releases underneath opposite the slide route for a checkdown, and the offensive line executes play-action pass protection to sell run action toward the strong side. This is a man beater on the horizontal stretch created by the tight end draggin across traffic, and the primary read progression starts with the tight end slide route underneath, then the fullback flat release, and finally the outside vertical routes if the play-action freezes the safeties.
Defensive Reads
Watch for linebackers cheating up into the box pre-snap, since that indicates they are keying the play-action run fake and will vacate the shallow crossing lane for the tight end slide. If the defense shows man coverage on the tight end, use a user-controlled defender to shadow the slide route and cut off the crossing lane before it develops. Zone drop timing is critical, if the underneath linebacker sinks into a hook zone instead of flowing with run action, he can undercut the tight end slide route for a jump throw. Identify single high safety looks (Cover 1 or Cover 3), since these leave the slide route as the primary threat but also open up lurk opportunities for a spying linebacker to bait the quarterback. Blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge can beat this play if the fullback release into the flat gets picked up late, so watch the edge rusher assignment post-snap to decide whether to bail the play-action fake early.
Usage Tips
Sell the run fake by holding the ball at the mesh point briefly before the play-action animation triggers, since defenders keying run flow will bite on the fake I formation look.
Use this against linebackers who aggressively flow to the run side, since the tight end slide route crosses behind them and exploits over pursuit.
Check the safety alignment pre-snap, if you see two high safeties sitting deep, prioritize the tight end slide as your first read since it should be open underneath the coverage shell.
Pair this play with HB Power O or PA Power O from the same set to keep linebackers guessing between run and play-action, since both plays share the same initial backfield action.
Avoid calling this on obvious passing downs against defenses that show Cover 3 sink drops, since the underneath zone defenders can sit on the slide route and jump the throw.
