Playbooks
PA WR In is a play-action pass out of Shotgun 4wr Pack Trips that uses a run-fake to hold linebackers before working an in-breaking route as the primary target. With the trips side occupying the cornerbacks and second level defenders on run fits, the play design isolates the backside or slot receiver on a hard in cut that sits down against zone or works across the field against man leverage. This concept beats both man and zone coverage depending on the route depth, and the primary read progression starts with the in-breaking route before working back to any check-down or comeback route on the boundary.
Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, since single high alignments often signal man coverage underneath that the in route can exploit with good timing. Watch the middle linebacker depth after the snap: if he bites hard on the play-action fake, the window for the in route opens immediately and the quarterback should throw with anticipation. Beware of Cover 3 sky or buzz variations where a safety rotates down to rob the in route, since this defensive rules answer takes away the primary read and forces a check-down. User-controlled defenders sitting in a shallow lurk technique can jump the in route if the quarterback holds the ball too long, so timing the throw before the linebacker settles is critical. Zone blitz packages with a linebacker dropping into the throwing lane will disrupt this concept, so recognize backer stunts and be ready to reset to the backside route if the middle gets clogged.
Use this play on early downs when defenses are keyed on the run out of 10 personnel, since the play-action freeze on linebackers opens up the intermediate middle of the field.
Check the defensive alignment pre-snap for linebacker depth: if they are sitting shallow expecting run, the in route will have a clean throwing lane once the fake sells.
Against man coverage, hot route the trips receivers into quick option routes or slants to give yourself a faster answer if the in route gets jumped by a lurking linebacker.
Pair this play with HB Draw or Inside Zone earlier in a drive to condition the defense into biting on the run action, then hit them with PA WR In once they start crashing downhill.
Best used on second and medium to second and long, where defenses are more willing to sell out on the play-action fake and leave the intermediate middle exposed.