Playbooks

PA Z Cross

Shotgun·Doubles Y Off·11
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 1 playbook

Spread Classic

Breakdown

PA Z Cross is a play-action shot play out of Shotgun Doubles Y Off that uses run action to hold linebackers before the Z receiver works across the field on a deep crossing route. The design pairs the crosser with underneath and vertical route combos to stretch the field horizontally and vertically, functioning as a man beater since the crosser can lose trailing defenders on the way across the formation while also creating natural picks against zone drops. The primary read progression starts with the play-action fake to sell run, then works to the Z cross as the first read, checking down to underneath outlets if the middle of the field is clogged by a robber or hook defender.

Defensive Reads

Look for linebackers stepping up hard on the run fake, that flow confirms man or zone underneath is vacating the crossing lane Watch for a single high safety post snap, which usually means Cover 3 or Cover 1 and signals the crosser will have a soft window against zone or a footrace against man If the defense shows two deep safeties and sits a linebacker in a deep hook zone, that robber technique can undercut the crosser and force you to the checkdown Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge to counter play-action will win fast, so identify pre-snap blitz indicators like safeties creeping into the box or corners showing hard press alignment Cover 2 with aggressive corners jamming at the line can disrupt the crosser's release, so be ready to climb the pocket or reset your protection if the play-action fake does not buy enough time

Usage Tips

Sell the run fake fully by holding the left stick through the play-action animation so linebackers bite and open the crossing lane

Use this on early downs like 1st and 10 or 2nd and medium when defenses are more likely to respect inside zone or gap runs from this personnel

Check safety depth pre-snap, if you see two high safeties sitting deep the crosser has more room to work underneath before the roof comes down

Hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or speed out if you see man coverage rolled to that side, giving you a quick throw against blitz looks

Pair this with Mid Zone or Inside Zone from the same set earlier in a series so the play-action fake carries more weight and linebackers start cheating up on run reads

Other Plays in Doubles Y Off