Playbooks
PA Double Post
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Double Post runs out of Bunch Str Nasty with play-action fake to hold the linebackers, sending two vertical post routes from the bunch alignment that cross paths deep down the middle of the field. The backside receiver runs a shallow drag underneath while the frontside receiver from the bunch releases outside then breaks flat toward the sideline, giving the quarterback a full-field stretch off the play-action boot. This is a play-action pass designed to attack Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells, with the primary read starting on the near post route and progressing to the far post if the safety over top jumps the first read, then checking down to the flat and drag as the play-action fake develops.
Defensive Reads
Key the deep safeties immediately after the snap since Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells are the primary vulnerability against this double post concept. Watch for a single high safety rotating late, which signals man coverage underneath and opens the drag route as a hot read against blitzing linebackers. Identify user-controlled defenders sitting in the middle of the field lurking for the post throw, since a well-timed jump on the first post route can bait an interception if the quarterback locks on too early. Check linebacker depth at the snap because shallow linebackers who bite on the play-action fake create running lanes for the drag route and open passing windows for both posts. Cover 3 with a robber defender underneath is the toughest shell to attack here, since the middle of the field gets clogged and both post routes run into traffic.
Usage Tips
Diagnose safety depth before the snap because this play is built to exploit two high safeties who cannot cover both post routes running through the middle third.
Use hot routes to convert the drag into a deeper crosser if you see man coverage with no safety help over the middle, since the double post concept naturally clears out underneath defenders with the play-action boot.
Best called on second and medium or early first down when defenses respect the run fake out of Bunch Str Nasty personnel, since the play-action hold on linebackers is critical to opening throwing lanes for the post routes.
Pair this with Inside Zone or Pin Pull Toss from the same set earlier in a series so the defense commits to run support before you hit them with the double post shot play.
If the defense shows Cover 4 with squatting corners, work the flat route as a quick answer instead of forcing the post throws into a numbers disadvantage deep.
