Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA QB Choice out of Shotgun Box (10 personnel) is a play-action pass built around a deep option/choice route and a crossing dig on the backside, with a running back check release out to the flat and a rollout fake to the boundary. Off the play fake, the outside receiver at the top runs a choice route that can break in or out based on the coverage leverage, while the inside slot works a deep cross into the vacated middle of the field. The lone flat route from the backfield gives a built-in checkdown, making this a solid man and zone beater depending on which route the QB works. Primary read progression starts with the choice route breaking off the coverage read, moves to the deep crosser if that window closes, and checks down to the flat route as the last resort.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth: if both safeties are shallow or crashing toward the box, the choice route and deep cross both have soft grass behind them. Watch the flat defender and outside corner leverage before the snap since inside leverage invites the choice route to break outside for an easy pitch and catch. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker's drop: a hard run-fake bite opens the deep cross for a big gain over the middle. This play struggles against disciplined zone drops like Cover 3 or Cover 4 where the deep half defenders stay patient and squeeze the choice route's breakpoint. Be wary of user linebackers spying the flat route or robbing the shallow cross, since a smart user defender can jump the checkdown or the crosser if the QB stares it down.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs after establishing the run game with Inside Zone so the play fake actually holds linebackers and safeties for a beat.
Read the choice route first: if the corner sits inside or plays zone, break it outside for the sideline throw, and if he plays outside leverage, work it back in behind him.
Against man coverage look immediately to the deep cross clearing the middle since it stresses linebackers who bite on the run fake.
Use the flat route as your answer versus blitz-heavy or Cover 0 looks where you need a quick, safe outlet before the rush arrives.
Pair this with Slants Flat or WR Cross earlier in a series so defenders start jumping shorter routes, then hit them with the deeper choice and cross combo off the same run action.
