Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA F Slide is a play-action pass out of Shotgun Split Twins Offset with 21 personnel that uses a run fake to hold the linebackers before spreading the field with a five man route combo. Off the play fake, the fullback releases into the flat/slide route underneath while the two receivers on the near side run a deep vertical and a comeback/curl in the same lane, and the backside receiver runs a deep drift to the opposite sideline with the near slot cutting an in-route across the middle. The primary read starts with the drift route working from deep to intermediate across the field, then progresses to the fullback slide in the flat as the checkdown if the deep and intermediate windows are covered, making this a zone beater that punishes linebackers who bite on the run fake.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they step up hard on the play fake, the intermediate crossing route and drift will have soft grass underneath deep coverage. Key the safety rotation post-snap, a single high safety leaves the deep vertical route on the near side isolated against man coverage, while two high safeties squeeze that window. This play struggles against disciplined zone drops where linebackers stay patient and sink into the shallow crossing lanes, taking away the fullback slide and the underneath in-cut. Man coverage with a lurking defender spying the fullback out of the backfield can jump the slide route, so be ready to work the drift or comeback instead. Watch for a nano blitz or edge pressure package pre-snap, since the play fake protection can get exposed if the offensive line commits to run blocking too aggressively.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs (1st or 2nd and short to medium) when you have already established the run game so linebackers respect the play fake and bite up on it.
Pre-snap, identify two high safeties versus single high, if you see two high safeties rotate late, expect the drift route to have room to work against soft zone coverage.
Hot route the backside comeback into a deeper dig or post if you diagnose Cover 3 or Cover 4, since the natural break points on this play sit shallow against those shells.
Pair this play with Inside Zone Lt or HB Cross Buck earlier in a drive to sell the run action, then call PA F Slide once the defense starts crashing linebackers downhill.
If the defense shows heavy blitz looks pre-snap, get the ball out quickly to the fullback slide route since the play action mesh point slows down your protection.
