Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Return PA Slide out of Shotgun Deuce Close is a play-action pass built off a run fake to hold the linebackers before the offensive line slides into a pass set. The diagram shows a deep crossing route from the backside slot that stems vertically before breaking hard across the field, a vertical seam route from the inline tight end that cuts inward at the top of its stem, and an outside receiver running a corner route that climbs the sideline for a deep shot. The route combination stretches the field both horizontally and vertically, making this a zone beater designed to overload the intermediate middle and attack any single-high safety who bites on the run fake, with the deep crosser as the primary read against zone drops and the corner route as the answer versus aggressive underneath coverage.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single-high safety looks since this concept is designed to punish defenses that commit a linebacker or safety downhill on the run fake. Watch cornerback depth on the outside receiver running the corner route, since press or tight man alignment signals the deep shot is live if the corner gets beat off the line. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker's initial step, if he steps up on the run fake the deep crosser will have a clean throwing lane behind him. Look for a user-controlled defender sitting in a lurk position over the crossing route depth, since a spy or lurk technique can jump the throw and turn it into a turnover. This play struggles against Cover 3 with a deep middle defender who stays home, since that coverage takes away both the crosser and the corner route by capping the top of the route combination.
Usage Tips
Use this out of run-heavy personnel looks since the play action tag only works if you have already established the ground game with plays like Inside Zone or Outside Zone from this same Deuce Close set.
Take the play-action fake through its full animation before scanning routes, since selling the run is what opens the deep crosser against linebackers who bite downhill.
On third and medium or third and long, prioritize the corner route if you see two-high shells rotating late, since the sideline throw beats Cover 2 zone drops that squeeze the middle.
Pair this play in sequence with Mtn PA Slide or PA Deep Cross to keep defenses guessing between motion shifts and static formations while running the same core concept.
Against man coverage look immediately to the deep crosser working across the field, since the natural rub and separation created by the crossing angle beats man defenders trailing from depth.
