Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Fk Screen Cross runs a play-action fake to sell run action before releasing routes designed to attack second and third level defenders. On the left side the outside receiver runs a deep vertical to stretch the defense while the inside receiver breaks off into a crossing route over the middle, and on the right side the tight end or slot runs a vertical with a flat route underneath to hold linebackers. This is a play-action pass built to beat both man and zone coverage by clearing out underneath defenders with the crosser while creating a shot play window vertically. The primary read starts with the crossing route working left to right, then progresses to the deep vertical shots if the middle of the field is occupied.
Defensive Reads
Watch for linebackers stepping up hard on the run fake, this is the tell that the play-action window will be open for the crosser. Identify if the defense is in man coverage by checking if defenders shadow receivers pre-snap rather than sitting in zone drops. Look for a deep safety cheating toward the crossing route, a strong lurk defender sitting in that lane can jump the throw and create a turnover opportunity. Check corner alignment on the outside verticals, if they are playing off coverage with a cushion the quarterback can hit the deep shot before the safety rotates. Beware of a delayed blitz disguised as run defense, since the play-action fake can leave the quarterback exposed if extra rushers time the snap correctly.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs when defenses are more likely to bite on the run fake, especially in run-heavy personnel packages.
Check the linebacker depth pre-snap, if they are sitting shallow expecting run, the crosser will have a clean lane once the play-action holds them for a beat.
Against man coverage, key on the crosser to pull defenders across the field and open throwing lanes for the vertical routes on either side.
Pair this play with Inside Zone or HB Draw earlier in a series to condition the defense to respect the run action, then call this as the counter punch.
If the safety shows two-high shell pre-snap, prioritize the deep vertical route since single coverage on the outside can be exploited before the safety rotates over.
