Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Go Slot Cross runs play action off a run fake to sell the linebackers before the QB works a three level stretch to the right side. The outside receiver on the play side runs a vertical Go route up the sideline while the slot receiver underneath breaks into a deep crossing route that stretches horizontally across the field, and the backside receiver runs a corner route that climbs up the numbers. A blocking back or TE stays in to help protect against the edge rush after the play fake. This is a play action shot play designed to attack man coverage on the crosser and hit the Go route deep against single high safety looks, with the primary read progression starting on the deep Go route, moving to the crossing route working across the field, and coming back to the corner route as the third option.
Defensive Reads
Read the leverage of the deep safety before the snap: a single high safety cheating toward the field side tips a rotation that leaves the Go route in a one on one matchup you must jump on with a user defender. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, since shallow linebackers who bite hard on the run fake will open a throwing lane for the deep crosser working underneath them. If you see two safeties split evenly, this is a zone shell that can be beaten by sitting a user defender in the crossing route's window rather than chasing the Go route vertically. Man coverage with press corners on the outside is vulnerable to the Go route beating a jam, so bail your corner early and get depth to stay on top instead of pressing at the line. Disguise pressure with a delayed blitz off the edge to collapse the play action pocket quickly, since this route concept takes time to develop and rushing the quarterback before routes reach their breakpoints kills all three levels of the read.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs or in shot situations like 2nd and long when defenses are more likely to sit in single high shells. Check the pre snap safety alignment: if you see one deep safety, trust the Go route matchup and look to attack it early in your progression. If you see two deep safeties, work the crossing route since it settles into soft spots against split safety zone coverage. Hot route the backside corner route into a deep comeback or hitch if you are getting doubled coverage over the top to give yourself a quick outlet. Pair this play with quicker throws like Curls or Double Slants earlier in a drive so the defense respects the short game, then dial up PA Go Slot Cross to hit the play action shot when linebackers start creeping up. Sequence this behind RPO Peek Slant or RPO Glance Post to condition defenders to bite on run action before hitting them with the deep shot.
