Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Cheat Double Crossers is a play-action pass out of Shotgun Split Close Pro with 21 personnel that sells the run fake before releasing a double crossing route concept over the middle. The diagram shows two receivers crossing at different depths (the deep red crosser and the shallower blue crosser) working opposite directions to create natural rubs against man coverage, while a third receiver runs a shallow drag under and the running back releases into a check release flat route out of the backfield after the play fake. This is primarily a man beater built around the crossing traffic to shake defenders, and the primary read progression starts with the deep crosser, works down to the underneath crosser, then checks the flat route as the outlet.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing man coverage with corners in press or tight trail technique, since this is where the double crossers concept does the most damage. Watch the linebacker depth at the snap, if they bite hard on the run fake it opens a wide throwing lane for the deep crosser working across the field. Post-snap, track any user-controlled defender dropping into a shallow zone lurk near the crossing routes, this is the primary threat that can jump the underneath crosser and bait a turnover. Zone coverage shells like Cover 3 or Cover 4 with disciplined linebackers sitting on crossers can clog the middle of the field and force you to the checkdown flat route earlier than you want. Watch for blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge, since the play-action drop back exposes the offensive line if the fake does not hold the front seven long enough.
Usage Tips
Look for man coverage indicators pre-snap such as corners lined up tight on receivers or a single high safety rotation, since the crossing traffic is designed to create natural picks against man defenders.
Sell the play-action fake by holding the ball fake button timing and letting the run action develop before your eyes go to the crossers, this manipulates linebackers and freezes the second level.
If you see a linebacker sitting in a shallow zone or a robber lurking underneath, hot route the shallow drag into a deeper option or use it as your immediate checkdown to avoid the traffic jam.
Pair this play with PA Y Cross or Corner Strike from the same set to keep the defense honest on play-action tendencies, then mix in HB Power O or Inside Zone Split to punish defenders keying the pass too early.
Best used on second and medium to second and long when you have shown run tendencies from this formation, since the play fake needs a run threat to be respected for the crossers to fully develop.
