Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Y Cross from Shotgun Split Close Pro sells play-action off the run fake before the QB works a deep crossing concept. The Y (TE) runs the deep dig/cross from the backfield alignment across the field, while a receiver from the opposite side clears vertically up the numbers and the back side X releases outside on a deep comeback or go route. The offensive line executes play-action pass protection to sell the run, making this a shot-play designed to beat man coverage on the crosser and hit explosive zone windows over the middle if the safety bites on the fake. Primary read progression starts with the deep crosser (Y) working across the field, then works back to the outside comeback route if the crosser is taken away.
Defensive Reads
Man coverage with linebackers responsible for the crosser is the primary matchup this play wins against, since the Y crosser will pick up natural separation working across the formation away from man defenders. Cover 3 with an aggressive underneath curl-to-flat defender can be an issue if that defender sits and doesn't respect the run fake, so watch how the flat defender reacts to the play fake. Look for a user-controlled linebacker spying the middle of the field or lurking in a robber technique, since that defender can undercut the crossing route if the QB stares it down too long. Check cornerback press alignment before the snap: press man on the outside receivers signals the offense should trust the crosser to win against off-coverage linebackers inside. Zone blitzes that bring extra rushers off the edge can disrupt the timing of this deep-developing concept, so identify blitz packages pre-snap by checking for walked-up defenders near the line of scrimmage and be ready to get the ball out on the checkdown quickly.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs (1st or 2nd and medium) when defenses are more likely to respect the run fake and bite on play-action. Check the pre-snap safety alignment: if you see two-high safeties sitting deep, the crosser has more room to work underneath, but if you see a single high safety, be ready to layer the throw over any underneath robber. Motion is not shown here but if your version of the play allows it, use a quick jet or orbit motion to diagnose man versus zone before the snap. Hot route the checkdown back to a flat route if you anticipate a blitz, since the extra RB in 21 personnel gives you an outlet valve versus pressure. Pair this play with PA Cheat Wrap Cross or PA Cheat Double Crossers earlier in a drive to condition the defense to bite on similar run fakes, then dial up PA Y Cross to hit the crosser wide open when linebackers start sitting on the underneath stuff. Combine with HB Power O or Inside Zone Split in your play-calling sequence to keep the defense honest against the run threat, which makes the play-action element of this play far more effective.
