Playbooks
PA HB Seam is a play-action shot play out of Shotgun Split Twins Offset Close that sells the run fake with the offset back before releasing him up the seam behind the linebacker level. The play-action freezes second level defenders and linebackers, opening a throwing lane for the seam route while outside receivers run vertical or clear out routes to occupy the safeties and corners. This is primarily a zone beater against light box looks and single high shells, and the primary read progression starts with the HB seam, then works to the backside vertical or comeback if the middle of the field is capped.
Identify the middle linebacker depth pre-snap, if he is sitting shallow expecting run he will be late getting to his zone drop once the play fakes hits Watch for a single high safety rotating down into the box, this confirms Cover 3 or Cover 1 and tells you the seam should split the hook zones cleanly User the deep safety if you are on defense, the seam route is designed to attack the void between the hook defender and the deep middle safety in Cover 3 Beware disguised two high shells that roll to Cover 4 or Cover 2 post snap, this can put a safety directly over the seam and shut down the primary read Look for blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge, since the play-action fake holds the offensive line longer this can create pressure before the seam route fully develops so check your protection assignments pre-snap
Use this on early downs like first or second and medium when defenses are more likely to respect the run fake from the offset HB alignment
Check the safety pre-snap, if you see a single high safety or a defense rotating to Cover 3 the seam window will be wide open against the hole in the zone
Hot route the backside receiver into a shallow drag or option route if you expect man coverage so you have a quick answer versus press man
Pair this with Inside Zone or HB Toss Lt earlier in a series so the defense respects the run fake and starts biting on the play-action fake
Sequence this with Mtn Slot Cross or Mtn HB Swing in the same set to keep defenses guessing between quick game and the vertical shot play, this diversifies your play-action package without changing personnel