Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA Double Post is a play-action pass out of Pistol Y Off Trips that sells run action before both the outside receiver and the slot receiver from the trips side break into deep post routes stacked at different depths, creating a natural high-low read against a single deep half defender. The backside receiver runs a dig that settles in the middle of the field as an underneath outlet, while the offensive line executes play-action pass protection to hold the edge rushers and sell the run fake. This is a Cover 2 and Cover 4 beater built to attack the seams between deep safeties, with the primary read progression going from the deep post (outside) to the underneath post (inside) and finally to the backside dig if both posts are covered.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and width since a two-high shell that stays static after the snap is the ideal look for this concept because it opens the seam between the safeties. Post-snap, key the deep safety on the trips side, if he widens to the outside post you throw the underneath post, if he sits on the underneath post the outside post is open behind him. Watch for a user-controlled safety sitting in the middle of the field or lurking underneath, since a rangy defender in the honey hole can undercut both posts and force you to the backside dig. Cover 3 with a robber underneath can be a problem for this play because the extra defender in the middle of the field clogs both post routes, so recognize single-high shells and be ready to check to a different concept. Identify blitz packages before the snap, since PA Double Post protection is designed for base four-man rushes and can break down against overload blitzes or extra pass rushers off the edge, making a hot route or check to the run game necessary.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs when defenses are keying run action based on your personnel grouping and tendencies, since the play-action fake carries more weight in those situations.
Before the snap, identify whether the defense is showing two deep safeties or a single high safety, since PA Double Post is designed to split Cover 2 safeties and stress Cover 4 corners on vertical routes.
If you see man coverage on the outside receiver, prioritize the deep post over the underneath post since the double move nature of the post can create separation against trail technique.
Pair this play with Curls or Slants from the same set to keep linebackers honest on shorter routes, then hit PA Double Post once the defense starts sitting on quick game concepts.
Use hot routes to convert the backside dig into a shallow drag if you anticipate zone coverage sinking hard to take away the posts, giving your quarterback a quick checkdown against a heavy underneath zone.
