Playbooks
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
Mtn PA Slide is a play-action pass out of Shotgun Flex Y Off with 11 personnel that sells a run fake before working a deep two-man route combo on the backside. The play features a corner route breaking to the outside from the far right receiver paired with an out and up (or deep comeback stem) from the two receivers stacked to the left, while the offensive line executes a slide protection with a shallow drag/checkdown crossing underneath from the backfield. The primary read progression starts with the corner route breaking off the play-action rollout look, then works to the deep out-and-up route on the far side, and finally checks down to the underneath slide route if both are covered.
Defensive Reads
Presnap, identify the safety alignment: two high shells signal Cover 2 or Cover 4, meaning the corner route will be squeezed and the underneath drag becomes the primary target. Watch linebacker depth and run fits at the snap, since aggressive run blitz linebackers will bite on the play-action, opening the intermediate crossing route. Key the flat defender and outside corner on the right side, since a hard squat on the corner route indicates zone coverage and the quarterback should look left to the comeback. Post-snap, track any user lurk defender sitting in the shallow zone, as this can jump the drag route and bait a bad throw. This concept beats single high man and Cover 3 zone shells but struggles against disciplined Cover 4 or Cover 2 with a fast closing safety over the top of the corner route.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like first or second and medium to keep defenses honest against the run threat this formation shows presnap.
Look for single high safety shells presnap since the deep comeback and corner routes create natural leverage against Cover 3 and Cover 1 defenders.
Hot route the underneath drag into a quick flat or speed out if you diagnose a hard blitz, since the slide protection will not hold up long against six man pressure.
Pair this with Read Option or RPO HB Zone Alert from the same set so the defense has to respect run action before you dial up the play-action shot.
Use in obvious passing situations sparingly since the run fake loses value on third and long, saving it instead for first down shot plays after establishing inside zone looks.
