Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Short Post runs off a play-action fake out of Pistol Weak Slot Open with 20 personnel. Post-snap, the outside receiver to the play-action side runs a deep post breaking across the middle of the field, the inline slot runs a short crossing route underneath, and the backside receiver runs a corner route to clear the deep zone. The tight end or fullback leaks out to the flat as a checkdown option while the line sells run action to hold the linebackers. This is a play-action man beater designed to attack single-high safety looks, with the primary read progression starting on the deep post, working down to the flat/crosser combo, then checking the backside corner if the safety jumps the post.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single high safety versus two-high shell since this play is built to exploit single high looks with the post route. Watch linebacker depth before the snap: stacked or shallow linebackers are more likely to bite on the run fake, opening the post and crosser combo. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker or user defender dropping into the deep middle zone, known as a lurk threat that can jump the post route if not sold by the run fake. Man coverage on the post route is beatable if the receiver wins outside leverage off the break, but tight man coverage from a fast corner with safety help over the top can shut this down. Watch for slot corner or nickel blitzes off the edge since the play-action set can be vulnerable to fast pressure that beats the fake before routes develop.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like first and second and short to medium yardage to sell the run fake and freeze linebackers before they can drop into coverage.
Check the safety alignment pre-snap: if you see a single high safety, the post has room to work behind linebackers who bite on the play-action.
If the defense shows two-high shell, hot route the post into a deeper in-route or bail to the flat route underneath since the post window will be tighter against split safeties.
Pair this play in sequence with HB Dive or Inside Zone Split from the same set so the defense respects the run action and commits linebackers forward, setting up the post to hit behind them later in the series.
Use max protect or a quick flat check versus disguised blitzes since the play-action fake slows down your pass protection read and leaves the quarterback exposed if the defense brings extra rushers.
