Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Deep Cross runs off a play-action fake out of Shotgun Split Slot Offset, freezing the linebackers before the QB works a deep crossing route concept. The deep cross (red route) is the primary read, sitting down and breaking hard across the middle of the field to settle in the void behind linebackers and in front of deep safeties. Both outside receivers push vertical up the sidelines to hold the corners and safeties, while the flat route underneath clears out low and gives a checkdown against soft coverage. This is a man beater against tight man coverage because the deep cross creates natural separation on the break, but it also stresses zone defenders who have to sink and wall the crosser.
Defensive Reads
Identify if the defense shows two deep safeties pre-snap, which signals zone coverage and a bigger throwing window for the deep cross sitting between the levels. Watch the middle linebacker depth at the snap, since a shallow drop or blitz trigger opens the crosser immediately while a deep drop can clog the window. Key on user-controlled defenders flowing to the play-action fake, if they bite hard on run action the deep cross and outside verticals both have single coverage. Against Cover 3 or Cover 1, look for a lurking safety or linebacker sitting in the middle third who can jump the deep cross route. If the defense shows heavy blitz pressure with man coverage on the outside, get the ball out to the deep cross quickly before the protection breaks down.
Usage Tips
Sell the play-action fake with a full commit on the joystick to hold linebackers and get the free safety to bite, since a lazy fake gets read instantly by user defenders.
Use this on early downs like first or second and medium when defenses are more willing to bite on run action out of 20 personnel.
Pre-snap, check for two-high shells since single-high safeties can rob the deep cross if the free safety reads your eyes.
If you see man coverage on the outside receivers, trust the deep cross to win on the break and throw with anticipation before the route fully clears the traffic in the middle.
Pair this with Mtn PA Y Cross and Mtn PA Counter in the same set to keep defenses guessing between play-action passes and complementary run action off similar formations.
