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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
Mtn PA Y Middle Read is a play-action pass off run motion out of Shotgun Doubles Flex Wk Swap, using 11 personnel to dress up a run look before working the middle of the field. The backside X runs a quick flat/out route, both outside receivers push vertical seams up the sideline, and the Y (TE) works a middle read route sitting down over the middle against the fake run action. The primary read progression starts with the Y middle read sitting in the throwing lane, then works out to the vertical seams on either edge if the middle is capped by underneath defenders.
Defensive Reads
Read the linebacker depth immediately after the snap, since shallow linebackers biting on the run fake will open the Y middle read for an easy completion. Watch the safeties pre-snap, as a two high shell signals the middle of the field should be open for the Y route while a single high safety means the vertical seams are more live. Identify any user-controlled defender lurking in the shallow middle zone, since a spying linebacker or nickel defender can jump the Y read route and bait a turnover. Check cornerback alignment on the outside receivers, since press man coverage on the seam routes is vulnerable to a well timed release but can also disrupt timing if not sold with the play fake. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the biggest weakness for this play, while a disciplined zone with linebackers staying deep in their drops and not biting on the fake can shut down the middle read entirely.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion to identify man versus zone before the snap, since the motion man crossing the formation will draw a defender with him if it is man coverage.
If the defense shows a two high shell, target the Y middle read route since the seam vacates against split safety zone drops.
Against single high safety looks, be ready to hot route one of the vertical seam routes into a deeper crosser to stress the deep middle defender.
This play works best on second and medium to second and long when defenses are more likely to sit in zone and respect the run fake.
Pair this with Mtn HB Sweep or RPO Alert Power earlier in a series so the play-action fake carries more weight and linebackers bite harder on the run action.
