Playbooks

PA Rollout

Shotgun·Duo Slot Open·20
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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 Rollout out of Shotgun Duo Slot Open is a play-action pass that sells the Duo run action before the quarterback rolls out to one side of the field, shrinking the pocket but giving him a clean run/pass read on the move. The route concept typically features a flat route, an intermediate crosser, and a deep comeback or corner route stacked to the rollout side, giving the QB a high low read as he works toward the boundary. This is a man beater against aggressive linebackers who bite on the run fake and a solid answer to zone if the flat defender widens, since the crossing route sits in the vacated window. Primary progression is flat to intermediate to deep, read low to high as the QB rolls, checking the flat defender first before working up the field.

Defensive Reads

Identify the safety shell before the snap, a two high shell with soft corners signals zone coverage, which favors the crosser sitting in the window vacated by the flat defender. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they crash hard on the run fake, the flat and intermediate routes open immediately behind them, especially against man coverage. Key the flat defender first since he determines whether the shorter route or the deeper comeback route is the higher percentage throw as the QB rolls. Watch for a user controlled defender sitting in a lurk position on the rollout side, since aggressive users will jump the flat or comeback route and bait a pick six. Cover 3 with a hard edge blitz timed to the rollout side is the primary counter, since it collapses the pocket before the deep route develops, so be ready to check down or throw it away.

Usage Tips

Run this on early downs or in play action heavy sequences after you have established Inside Zone or Speed Option from the same set so linebackers respect the run fake and step up.

Check the flat defender pre snap, if a linebacker is sitting shallow with no immediate run threat responsibility, the flat route will likely be taken away, so hot route your flat man to a shallow drag or speed out to counter.

Roll to the side with the tight end or extra blocker if you need protection against edge pressure, since PA Rollout narrows the pocket and exposes the QB to backside rushers.

Pair this with PA Rollout Smash and PA Rollout Out-N-Up in the same drive to keep defenders guessing on which route combination follows the rollout action.

Use play action shells like PA Flood or PA Fin earlier in the game to condition the defense into biting on run action, then hit PA Rollout when linebackers start crashing down hard.

Other Plays in Duo Slot Open