Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn PA Y Cross is a play-action pass out of Shotgun Split Slot Offset that uses a fake handoff to hold the linebackers before attacking the middle of the field with a deep crossing route. The Y runs a deep dig style crosser from the right side all the way across the field, while both outside receivers run vertical clear out routes up the sideline to occupy the corners and safeties, and the backside receiver runs a short outlet route underneath. The blocking is play-action protection with the offensive line selling run to freeze the front seven. This is primarily a man beater since the deep crosser creates natural separation against man coverage by running away from defenders, and the primary read progression starts with the Y crosser working across the field, then works out to the vertical routes on the perimeter if the crosser is blanketed underneath, and finally checks down to the short outlet route.
Defensive Reads
Check the safety alignment pre-snap, since two high safeties usually signal zone coverage that can clog the crosser's window over the middle. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they step up hard to defend the run fake, the crosser will have a clean lane behind them. Identify man coverage on the outside receivers before the snap, since press or tight man alignment on the perimeter makes the deep crosser the clear primary target. Beware of a user controlled linebacker sitting in a lurk spot in the middle of the field, as this defender can jump the crossing route if the quarterback telegraphs the throw. Cover 3 or Cover 1 with aggressive underneath defenders shuts this down quickly, so if the defense shows those shells, be ready to check down to the outlet route instead of forcing the crosser.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion to identify man versus zone before the snap, since the crosser is most effective when the defense shows man coverage across the formation.
Sell the play-action fake by holding the ball fake through its full animation so linebackers bite and open up the middle of the field for the crosser.
Best called on early downs or in medium to long yardage situations where defenses are more likely to sit in coverage rather than blitz.
If the defense drops into a deep zone shell, look to the vertical clear out routes on the sideline since the crosser can get swallowed by underneath zone defenders.
Pair this play with Mtn RPO Peek Stick or Mtn RPO Peek Swing earlier in a drive so the defense respects the run threat, then hit them with this play-action shot once linebackers start crashing downhill.
