Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Post X-corner is a play-action shot play out of Bunch Y-Flex that attacks the deep half of the field with a post from X and a corner route working the sideline, creating a natural high-low stretch on any single-high or split safety trying to rob one route. The bunch alignment forces man defenders to navigate traffic off the release while the play fake holds linebackers and creates a rushing lane for the run fit, opening throwing lanes downfield. Primary read progression starts with the post attacking the middle of the field, then works to the corner route breaking outside if the safety squats on the post, with the underneath check down as the final bailout option against pressure.
Defensive Reads
Identify the safety shell before the snap, a single-high look in Cover 1 or Cover 3 is the green light for this concept since one safety cannot cover both the post and the corner. Watch the corner aligned over the bunch, if he sinks deep at the snap it signals zone coverage and you should key the flat defender or hook defender for the underneath option. Post-snap, track the safety's first two steps, if he breaks toward the post the corner route is open on the sideline, if he stays wide the post has room in the middle of the field. Beware Cover 4 or Cover 2 shells with two deep safeties, these split the field and can rob both the post and corner routes, forcing a checkdown or scramble. Watch for user-controlled defenders lurking underneath the post route or spying the play-action fake, a smart human defender will sit in the passing lane and jump the throw if the quarterback stares down the primary read too long.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion out of the bunch to identify if the defense is playing man or zone, a defender following the motion man confirms man coverage and tells you the post has a clean matchup. Look for single-high safety shells like Cover 3 or Cover 1 before the snap, this play thrives when there is only one deep defender who has to choose between the post and the corner. Hot route the underneath receiver into a quick out or drag if you see a heavy blitz look, this gives you a hot read without abandoning the shot play concept. Best called on first or second down with manageable distance so the play fake actually influences linebackers and the safety, on obvious passing downs defenses sit on the deep routes and take away the play fake advantage. Pair this play with HB Power or Inside Zone earlier in a drive to set up the run fake, then sequence into PA Post X-corner once the defense starts crashing down on run fits from the bunch look.
