Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA WR In is a play-action pass out of the Shotgun Box Y Off formation in 11 personnel, using the run fake to hold linebackers and free up the intermediate middle of the field. The core concept is the in route breaking across the field from the WR, paired with underneath and vertical complements from the TE and slot to stretch zone defenders horizontally and vertically. This is primarily a zone beater since the play-action freezes second level defenders and opens the window for the in route to sit down in the soft spot between the underneath zone and the deep zone, though it can work against man coverage if the receiver wins inside leverage off the break. The primary read progression starts with the play-action fake to sell run, then works to the in route as the first read, and if that window is closed the QB should climb to the secondary crosser or checkdown option.
Defensive Reads
Identify two high safeties pre-snap since this indicates a zone shell that the in route is designed to attack in the soft spot behind the linebackers. Watch linebacker depth after the snap, if they bite hard on the play-action fake and step up into the run fit the in route will have a wide open throwing lane. Beware of Cover 3 sky or Cover 3 buzz looks where a safety or corner rotates down to rob the intermediate middle, this can jump the in route if the QB does not manipulate with his eyes first. Man coverage with underneath linebacker help, such as Cover 1 with a rat in the middle, is the toughest matchup since the rat defender can sit on the in route crossing pattern. Look for a defensive user dropping into a lurk position over the middle of the field post snap, a user controlled defender sitting in that throwing lane is the clearest sign to move off the primary read and progress to the checkdown or backside option.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs like first or second and medium when defenses are more likely to respect the run fake and bite on the play-action. Check the safety depth pre-snap, if both safeties are sitting shallow at 8 to 10 yards you are likely facing a zone shell that this play is designed to exploit. Hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or a hitch as a checkdown option to punish defenses that key hard on the in route. Use motion before the snap to identify man versus zone, if the defender follows the motion man across the formation you know you are in man coverage and should prioritize the in route timing against man leverage. Sequence this play with Quick Short Post and Y Trail in the same set since both threaten similar zone landmarks, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their run fits after seeing the in route hit repeatedly. Avoid calling this on third and long since the play-action fake wastes clock and the in route alone is not always enough to convert a long distance.
