Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Read is a play-action shot play out of Shotgun Flex Y Off Wk that sells the run fake before attacking the defense with three distinct vertical stems. The backside X runs a deep comeback while the inline TE releases on a deep out breaking to the sideline, and the play side Y works a deep crossing route underneath that clears into the intermediate middle void, with the FB or HB checking down to the flat as the outlet against a hard blitz. The blocking scheme is play-action protection with the run fake selling the linebackers up before the routes develop, making this a man beater against aggressive zone or single high safety looks. The primary read starts with the deep crosser working across the field, then works to the comeback on the boundary if the corner overplays inside, with the flat route as the checkdown against pressure.
Defensive Reads
Key the play side linebacker at the snap, if he steps up on the run fake the crosser will have a clean throwing lane underneath the deep coverage. Watch the boundary corner alignment pre-snap, if he is playing tight man or aggressive zone he is vulnerable to the comeback route sitting down in front of him. Identify user lurk defenders sitting in the shallow middle zone since they can jump the deep crossing route if the quarterback holds the ball too long. Check safety depth before the snap, a single high safety who bites on the play fake leaves the deep out and comeback exposed on the perimeter. Recognize disguised pressure or nano blitzes off the edge, since the protection is vulnerable if extra rushers overload one side before the play action fake finishes.
Usage Tips
Look for single high safety shells pre-snap since the play action fake is most effective against defenses committing extra bodies to stop the run.
Use the flat route checkdown as your answer versus disguised blitzes or nano blitz pressure packages that beat the protection before routes develop.
Pair PA Read with Inside Zone Split or Outside Zone in your play-calling sequence so the run fake actually holds linebackers and opens the crossing route.
Against Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells, prioritize the deep crosser since it settles into the intermediate hole between the flat defender and the deep third.
Best called on early downs like first or second and short to medium distance where defenses expect run and bite on the fake, avoid third and long since the deep developing routes take time.
