Playbooks
Breakdown
PA Scissors runs a play-action fake to the backfield before releasing two crossing routes that create a natural scissors effect over the middle of the field. Off the fake, one receiver breaks vertically into a deep corner or flag route while the crossing route underneath cuts hard to the opposite flat, and a third receiver on the backside runs a deep post that stretches the field vertically. The tight end from the slot works a quick out to the boundary as a checkdown option, while the offensive line sells the run fake before shifting to pass protection. This is a play-action pass built to beat both Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells, with the primary read starting on the deep post against single-high or two-deep safety rotation before working down to the crossing routes underneath.
Defensive Reads
Watch for two deep safeties pre-snap, this signals Cover 2 or Cover 4 and tells you the deep post and corner routes have space to work behind the underneath zone defenders. Key the linebacker depth at the snap, if they step up hard on the play-action fake it opens throwing lanes for the crossing routes underneath since the intermediate zone will be vacated. Identify any user controlled defender lurking in the middle of the field, since the scissors crossing routes can be jumped by a rover or hook defender sitting in the throwing lane if the quarterback stares down the read too long. Cover 3 with a deep middle defender can be a problem for this concept since that safety can rotate over and take away both the post and the crossing routes, so check for single high safety alignment pre-snap. Man coverage with press corners can disrupt the timing of the crossing routes at the line, so look for aggressive press alignment on the outside receivers as a sign to check to a hot route or quick game concept instead.
Usage Tips
Sell the play-action fake by holding the run threat pre-snap, especially on early downs when defenses are keying run from Ace Slot Offset personnel with two tight ends on the field.
Read the safety rotation before the snap, if you see two safeties sitting deep at 10 to 12 yards you are likely facing Cover 2 or Cover 4, both of which this play is designed to exploit with the deep post and corner combo.
Use the crossing routes as your quick answer against man coverage since the natural rub created by the scissors concept forces defenders to fight through traffic, giving you a built in man beater.
Pair this play with Inside Zone or Read Option earlier in a drive to get the defense biting on run fakes, then call PA Scissors once you see linebackers stepping up aggressively on run action.
Best used on first or second down in medium yardage situations where defenses are more likely to load the box or play aggressive zone drops, since the deep shots punish both over aggressive linebackers and static safety rotations.
