Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Boot Levels runs a play-action fake to the backfield out of Pistol Wing Close 12 personnel, with the offensive line selling run blocking before the QB boots to his right. On the boot side the TE runs a shallow flat/out route while another receiver stacks a deep out breaking route over the top, forming the classic two-level stretch on the sideline. Backside, the far receiver runs a deep dig across the middle while the tight end releases vertically up the seam, giving the QB a true levels concept combined with a crossing route to attack zone defenders who bite on the run fake. This is a play-action zone beater built to stress Cover 2 and Cover 3 flat defenders, with the primary read starting on the boot side flat-to-corner levels combo before working back to the deep crossing route.
Defensive Reads
Watch for Cover 2 or Cover 3 shells pre-snap, since this play is designed to layer routes at different depths right in the flat defender's zone drop window. If the safety to the boot side stays deep and level with the corner instead of rotating down, the underneath flat route should sit wide open for an easy completion. Man coverage with a linebacker spying the QB on the boot can be a problem, since the rollout limits the QB's escape lanes and forces a rushed throw. Watch the flat defender's initial reaction to the run fake, if he crashes down on the play-action, the flat route will be uncontested on the boot side. A user-controlled defender sitting in a shallow zone or spying the crosser can jump the deep dig route, so the QB needs to recognize that lurk before committing to the backside throw.
Usage Tips
Check pre-snap for two deep safeties or a single high safety to confirm whether the levels combo or the deep crossing dig will be open first.
Sell the run fake by holding the ball on the fake handoff animation as long as possible to freeze linebackers and safeties before booting outside the pocket.
Use the flat route as your immediate hot read against blitz looks, since the boot naturally gets the QB outside pressure and closer to that throwing lane.
Pair this play with HB Zone or HB Stretch earlier in a drive to condition the defense to bite on outside run action, then dial up PA Boot Levels to punish overaggressive linebackers.
Best called on early downs or manageable third downs when you expect zone coverage, since man coverage defenders can trail the levels routes if the boot doesn't create enough width.
