Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Post out of Shotgun Bunch Spread hits with a play-action fake to hold the linebackers before the QB works a three-level route concept from the bunch. The post (red route) is the primary vertical shot, breaking hard toward the middle of the field off the play-action hold, while two shallow crossers (yellow) clear underneath from the bunch side and a deep out breaks toward the sideline off the backside. This is a man beater built to attack single-high safety looks, using the post to split the safety while the crossers occupy underneath defenders trying to carry across the field.
Defensive Reads
Read the deep safety depth and rotation immediately at the snap, if he bites on the run fake the post is wide open behind him. Watch for a single-high shell versus two-high, this play struggles against two deep safeties who can double the post from either side. Key the underneath linebackers for a lurk or spy dropping into the shallow crosser lanes, since a sitting linebacker can jump the crossing routes and bait a throw. Identify man coverage by checking if defenders align tight to the bunch receivers pre-snap, man coverage with no safety help is the ideal scheme fit for this concept. Look for disguised blitzes off the edge, since a fast pass rush can force the quarterback off his post read before the play-action fake fully develops.
Usage Tips
Check the safety alignment before the snap, if you see one deep safety shaded to the play side, the post has a clean lane to split the middle. Use the play-action fake to freeze linebackers on early down and distance situations like first or second down, since it sells better with a credible run threat. Hot route the shallow crosser into a deeper drag if you see man coverage sitting underneath, this gives you an outlet if the post window closes late. Pair this with Mtn Slot Under or Mtn Y-Shake from the same set so the defense sees the same bunch look but has to respect both quick game and deep shots. Throw the post on time as soon as the safety commits to the play-action fake, hesitation lets a robber defender close the window.
