Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Slide out of Shotgun Deuce (12 personnel) opens with a play-action fake to hold the linebackers before the quarterback rolls with a boot fake off the line. The diagram shows a two-level flood to the right side: a shallow slide route sitting under from the backfield along the line and a vertical route from the outside receiver stacking the sideline, while the backside receiver runs a deep dig-style route that breaks up the seam. This is a play-action flood concept built to beat zone coverage by stretching one side high-low-deep while the play fake occupies second-level defenders, with the primary read starting on the deep outside vertical before working down to the underneath slide route.
Defensive Reads
Identify single-high versus two-high safety alignment before the snap, since single-high shells leave the deep outside vertical vulnerable to a big play. Watch the flat or curl defender at the snap, if he bites on the play-action fake or the underneath slide route, the vertical route will break open behind him. Key the backside linebacker depth, a shallow drop signals zone coverage that lets the slide route sit in a soft spot underneath. Track user-controlled defenders near the line for a delayed blitz, since the play fake creates a hard count for pass protection and edge pressure can collapse the pocket before routes develop. This concept struggles against aggressive Cover 3 sky or Cover 4 quarters with disciplined corners who stay on top of the vertical route, so avoid this call if the defense consistently shows two deep safeties playing over the top.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like first or second and medium when defenses expect run out of the 12 personnel Deuce look, since the play-action fake plays off inside zone tendencies from this set. Check the safety shells pre-snap, if you see two-high shells rotating late or Cover 3 buzz, prioritize the deep outside vertical against the flat defender before he can carry it. Hot route the underneath slide receiver into a quicker option route if the defense shows a hard blitz look, since the play fake slows your protection. Pair this call with Inside Zone and Inside Zone Split earlier in a drive to sell the run fake harder, then dial up PA Slide once the defense starts crashing linebackers downhill. Against man coverage, look immediately to the backside dig route since it creates natural separation off the play-action rub.
