Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Mtn PA Cross X-Choice is a play-action pass out of Shotgun Bunch TE Str that sells the run fake before working a deep crosser and choice route combo. The bunch alignment sends the deep receiver on a corner/go route up the sideline while the middle receiver runs a deep crossing route from the bunch side all the way across the field, and the choice receiver (X) works a settle/option route in the shallow flat area with an inside release option underneath. The offensive line executes play-action pass protection to hold the edge and buy time, making this a man beater against man coverage since the crosser creates natural separation against trailing defenders, with the primary read progressing from the deep corner route to the crosser and settling on the choice route underneath if the top of the concept is covered.
Defensive Reads
Watch the middle linebacker depth at the snap since a shallow drop or blitz trigger tells you the defense is selling out on the run fake, which opens up the crosser immediately. Key the safety rotation before the snap, if both safeties stay deep and split the field it signals Cover 2 or Cover 4 and you should sit the crosser in the void behind the linebackers. Track the cornerback aligned over the deep corner route route runner, if he presses and shows man technique the play-action fake combined with the vertical stem should win outside. User the flat or underneath zone defender manually to jump the choice route since that is the checkdown quarterbacks lean on when the top routes are covered. This concept struggles against disciplined zone drops with a rangy deep third defender who can undercut the crosser, so avoid this call versus defenses showing consistent Cover 3 sink with a fast-flowing linebacker corps.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like first or second and short to mid distance so the play-action fake actually threatens the defense and freezes linebackers.
Check pre-snap for single high safety looks since the deep corner route can attack Cover 3 and Cover 1 if the corner bites on the run fake.
If you see two deep safeties showing Cover 2 or Cover 4, prioritize the crosser in your progression since it will find the seam between zone defenders as they sink.
Hot route the choice receiver to a quick out or hitch versus aggressive man coverage if you need a faster underneath answer against blitz looks.
Pair this play with Mtn Verts Shallow Cross or Boomerang Curl Flats in your play sequencing so the defense has to respect both the shallow crosser and the vertical shots, keeping linebackers honest and opening throwing lanes on this concept.
