Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA QB Choice out of Shotgun Normal Y Off shows a three level route concept off play action, with two receivers running vertical stems that break outside (a deep out breaking to the boundary and a corner route climbing from the seam) while the third receiver runs a straight vertical seam up the numbers. The play action fake holds the linebackers, and the route design stresses the deep half with two receivers stacking the same side at different depths, creating a natural high low read for the QB against man or zone. Primary read progression starts with the corner/out breaking route working outside, then works to the deep seam vertical if the defense rotates to take away the boundary throw.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flow of the linebackers at the snap, if they bite hard on the play fake the seam vertical and corner route will have soft coverage underneath. Identify the deep safety alignment before the snap, two high shells force the QB to work the shorter boundary breaking route while single high alignments open up the deep seam throw. Post-snap, key the cornerback on the boundary side, if he sinks into a deep zone drop the out breaking route will be contested so progress to the seam route. This play struggles against disguised blitzes where the play fake does not hold defenders, since the extra rusher can beat the protection before routes develop. Look for a user controlled safety sitting in a lurk position over the middle, that defender can undercut the seam route if the QB stares it down too long.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs or in play-action heavy sequences after you have established the run game, since the fake sells better with run tendencies built up.
Check pre-snap for two high safeties versus single high, if you see single high with the corner sitting outside expect the boundary route to be taken away and prioritize the seam vertical instead.
Hot route the underneath check release into a quick option or flat route if you anticipate pressure, this gives the QB an outlet against blitz looks.
Pair this call with Curl Flats or RPO Peek Slant from the same set so the defense has to respect both the quick game and the play action shot, keeping linebackers honest.
Attack this on second and medium or third and short where defenses often sell out on run action, since the play action fake carries more weight in those situations.
