Playbooks
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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
PA Post runs out of the bunch look with the play action fake selling the run fake up front to freeze the linebackers. From the bunch alignment, the outside receiver runs a deep post from the numbers, the middle bunch receiver breaks outside on a corner-ish out that clears the flat, and the inside receiver runs a deep crosser all the way across the field. The TE or attached back releases on a shallow drag underneath while the backside receiver runs a vertical seam or go route up the numbers to stretch the defense deep. Primary read progression starts with the post, then works to the deep crosser working across the field if the post is capped, and finally checks down to the shallow drag underneath.
Defensive Reads
Key the safety depth at the snap, if both safeties bail deep at the snap it signals two high shell and the post window tightens. Watch for a user controlled defender sitting in the deep middle third, this lurk threat is the primary post play killer and forces you to the crosser. Identify if linebackers step up hard on the play action fake, aggressive run blitz reads mean the shallow drag is wide open underneath. Against zone coverage, look for the flat defender jumping the corner-out route from the bunch, which opens a throwing lane for the post behind him. Cover 3 with a hard charging edge blitzer can collapse the pocket before the post fully develops, so account for pass rush pressure off the play action fake.
Usage Tips
Sell the run fake by holding the play action animation out before scanning downfield, this freezes linebackers and opens the crosser lane.
Check pre-snap for two deep safeties versus one high, against a single high shell the post has a clear window between the safety and corner.
If you see man coverage on the bunch, the crosser has a natural rub advantage coming off traffic, target it against man beaters and press corners.
Use this on early downs after establishing HB Base or HB Draw so linebackers bite on the play action fake instead of sitting in coverage.
Pair this with Mtn Fly HB Go or PA Mills X-corner in the same set to keep the defense guessing between deep shots and combo route concepts.
