Playbooks
PA Double Post
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Double Post is a play-action shot play out of the Bunch TE Str set in Shotgun with 11 personnel. The offensive line executes a play-action pass block to sell run action while both bunch receivers push vertical stems into post routes that converge toward the middle of the field, with the outside bunch receiver breaking in behind the inside post for a layered double post concept. The lone receiver on the backside runs an outlet route to the flat as a check down, and the TE releases from the bunch on a shorter crossing route underneath. The primary read progression starts with the deep post routes working high to low, hitting the first post that clears the safety, then working to the trailing post if the underneath defender jumps the shallow crosser, and finally checking down to the flat route if both posts are covered.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single high safety alignment since Cover 1 and Cover 3 shells leave one defender responsible for two deep posts, which is exactly what this play attacks. Watch for Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with two deep safeties, as this concept is specifically schemed to beat those coverages by forcing one safety to choose which post to take away. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker or nickel defender who has to react to both the shallow crosser and the trailing post, since a good user lurk here can undercut the throwing lane. If the defense shows an aggressive blitz look with the mike or nickel crashing downhill, the play-action fake can freeze linebackers just long enough to open the first post before the pass rush arrives. Man coverage defenders trailing the bunch receivers can get picked or rubbed at the release point, so watch for a defender getting hung up in traffic which signals a clean throwing window on the post that beat the rub.
Usage Tips
Call this play when you diagnose single high safety looks pre-snap because the double post concept is designed to split a lone deep defender who cannot cover both verticals. Use motion or a hard count to bait linebackers into showing blitz or man leverage before the snap so you know whether to hit the first post early or let it develop. Pair this play with Boomerang HB Angle or Mtn Lead Outside Zone earlier in a series to get defenses leaning run and set up the play-action fake for maximum window on the posts. On third and medium or in two minute situations, this is a great explosive play call since the double post stresses zone leverage and creates natural rubs against man coverage out of the bunch alignment. If you see the defense rotating a safety over the bunch after the snap, be ready to reset your eyes to the trailing post or check down to the flat route quickly since your first read window will close fast.
