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Breakdown
PA Read out of Shotgun Box Offset Wk uses a play-action fake to sell run action before releasing four routes into a deep, staggered route concept. The backside receiver runs a deep comeback breaking back toward the sideline, the two middle routes climb into vertical/post breaks at different depths, and the frontside outlet runs a quick flat/drag underneath as the checkdown after the run fake. This is primarily a zone beater that stresses deep zone defenders with the layered verticals while the flat route holds underneath defenders, and the primary read progression starts with the deep comeback route, works to the two intermediate verticals in the middle of the field, and comes down to the flat route as the safety valve.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they step up hard to play run the underneath flat route will be wide open immediately. Identify two high safety shells pre-snap, this coverage shell squeezes the comeback route and forces you to live underneath with the flat and shorter crossers. Key the flat defender post-snap, if he bites on the run fake even for a step the flat route becomes an easy completion for positive yardage. Look for man coverage indicators like corners lined up tight to the line, since the layered vertical concept in the middle can create natural rub separation against man defenders. Beware of a hard edge blitz or corner blitz, this play holds the fake long enough that a fast blitzer can beat the protection before routes develop, so have your hot route ready.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs like first or second and medium when defenses are honoring the run fake, since the play action sells better against aggressive run fits.
Check the safety alignment pre-snap, if you see two high safeties sitting deep, prioritize the flat route and intermediate crossers since the comeback will be capped.
Against single high safety looks, attack the deep comeback route immediately because the corner will often be occupied by run support or a flat defender bites on the fake.
Hot route the flat route into a quick out or speed out if you are facing a hard corner blitz off the edge, this gives you a faster release valve than waiting on the design route.
Pair this with Inside Zone and Read Option from the same set to keep linebackers honest, then hit PA Read once the defense starts crashing down hard on run fits.
