Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Return PA Flood is a play-action flood concept out of Shotgun Bunch Str Offset that stacks three vertical stems on the strong side to overload one half of the field. Off the play fake, the outside receiver from the bunch runs a deep corner/go route, the tight end sprints a straight vertical seam, and the third receiver breaks outside into a deep out, creating a three-level flood read from deep to intermediate. This is a classic Cover 3 beater designed to stress the flat and deep third defenders on one side, with the QB progression working from the corner route down to the seam and finally the breaking out route underneath.
Defensive Reads
Identify the deep third defenders pre-snap. If the corner is playing off with outside leverage, the flood concept is live because he cannot cover both the corner route and the out underneath. Watch the flat or curl-flat defender after the snap. This is the primary conflict defender in the flood, and his run/pass read on the play-action fake determines whether the seam or the out comes open. Look for a robber or lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field. If a linebacker or safety sinks into the passing lane between the seam and the sideline routes, the QB has to layer the throw or move to the check-down. Recognize Cover 3 shells with the corner rolling down into the flood. This coverage sends extra numbers into the flood zone and can shut down the underneath options, forcing the QB to trust the corner route over the top. Beware of man coverage disguised as zone with a blitz behind it. If the defense brings a nano blitz off the edge, the QB must get the ball out on rhythm to the shortest route in the progression before the protection breaks down.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or second-and-medium when you have already established the run game, since the play fake needs defenders biting downhill to open throwing lanes.
Check the safety alignment before the snap. If you see a single high safety rotating late, that is your green light for the corner route to win over the top.
Use the flat defender or curl-to-flat player as your key. If he sinks with the seam, the corner route wins outside. If he jumps the flat route, come back to the seam or the deep out.
Motion pre-snap if available to identify man versus zone. If the defender follows across the formation, expect man coverage and prioritize the corner route as your man beater against a trailing corner.
Pair this with Return RPO Flat or Return RPO Alert Flat earlier in a series so the defense respects the quick game, then hit them with this shot play once linebackers start creeping up in run support.
