Playbooks

PA Slot Cross

Pistol·Y Off Trips·11

Quick Reference

FormationPistol

In 2 playbooks

Broncos OffenseOffenseNFL Live Broncos OffenseOffense

Breakdown

PA Slot Cross is a play-action pass out of the Pistol Y Off Trips set with 11 personnel, designed to freeze linebackers with the run fake before attacking the middle of the field with a crossing route from the slot. The trips side creates natural rub and pick action against man coverage while the backside typically offers a comeback or dig to hold safeties honest. The primary read progression starts with the slot cross working from the numbers to the middle, then works to the underneath flat or check down option if the linebackers sink and clog the crossing lane.

Defensive Reads

Check the middle linebacker depth pre-snap since a shallow drop or blitz alignment signals the crossing lane will be open behind him. Watch for user controlled defenders lurking in the shallow middle zone, since a smart user will sit on the crossing route and jump the throw if you telegraph it. Cover 3 and Cover 1 with aggressive linebacker run fits get exploited by this concept since the crossing route beats man leverage and finds soft spots in the seam. Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells with disciplined linebackers who stay high in their zone drops can take away the crossing window, forcing you to the checkdown or backside option. Identify blitz packages pre-snap through defender alignment near the line, since a hot inside blitz can beat your protection before the play-action fake fully develops.

Usage Tips

Look for single high safety shells pre-snap since the crossing route has room to work behind linebackers in that structure without a second deep defender waiting over the top.

Use the run fake with a purpose, hold the ball on the fake for a full count to freeze linebackers and hold your play-action animation before committing to the throw.

Hot route the backside receiver into a dig or drag if you see two high safeties rolling down to take away the crossing route, giving you a second in-cut option.

This play pairs well with HB Dive and HB Stretch in your play-calling sequence since the same backfield action sells the run threat and keeps defenses honest before hitting PA Slot Cross later in a series.

Use this on early downs like first and second down when defenses are more willing to sell out on run fits, since play-action is less effective on obvious passing downs against teams sitting in zone.

Other Plays in Y Off Trips