Playbooks

Return PA Slide

Shotgun·Normal Y Off·11

Diagram coming soon

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetNormal Y Off

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 2 playbooks

Saints OffenseOffense NFL Live Saints OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Return PA Slide is a play-action concept out of Shotgun Normal Y Off that uses the "Return" motion tag to shift a receiver across the formation pre-snap before the play-action fake sells the run threat. The slide protection scheme flows the offensive line one direction to hold edge rushers while the QB works a levels-based route combo built for zone beating, giving the QB a high low read against linebackers who bite on the play-action. Primary progression starts with the intermediate slide/crosser working through the middle of the field, then works out to the flat or check down option if the underneath zone defenders sit on the initial read.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, check if the defense shifts a linebacker or safety to match the Return motion, which tips man coverage on that side. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker or Sam backer's first step, if he steps up on the run fake, the slide route behind him is open for a big gain. This play beats zone coverages like Cover 3 and Cover 4 because the slide route settles into soft spots vacated by underneath defenders reacting to the play fake. Man coverage with a spy or a linebacker who does not bite on the fake can shut this down quickly, so be ready to check down to the flat or HB safety valve. Watch for a user-controlled defender sitting in the middle of the field or a disguised blitz, since a fast interior pressure can collapse the pocket before the slide route develops.

Usage Tips

Use the Return motion pre-snap to identify man versus zone coverage based on whether a defender follows the motioning receiver across the formation.

This play works best on early downs like first or second and medium when defenses are more willing to bite on the run fake tendency.

If the defense shows a hard zone shell with linebackers sitting low, hot route the backside receiver into a deeper route to stress the safety over the top.

Pair this play with Same Side Zone or Inside Zone earlier in a drive so the play-action fake carries real weight and linebackers respect the run action.

Sequence Return PA Slide with Return Same Side Zone or Return HB Scissors since the shared motion look disguises which play is coming and keeps second level defenders honest.