Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Slide is a play-action pass out of Shotgun Split WR Backfield that sells run action before attacking the flat and the deep outside with a boot-style release. Off the play fake, the outside receiver runs a deep over that crosses the field toward the far sideline while the slot man wheels up the seam into a corner route, and the backfield runs a slide/flat route into the boundary with the fullback or offset back leaking out underneath. The primary read progression starts with the slide route in the flat for the quick, easy completion, then climbs to the crossing route working across the middle, and finally to the corner/wheel route if the deep coverage bites on the run fake.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is stacking the box expecting run, which tells you the play fake will freeze linebackers and open the crossing route. Watch cornerback alignment on the outside receiver running the deep over route, since press man leaves him vulnerable once he clears the line. Post-snap, key the flat defender or nickel corner reaction to the slide route, if he sinks with the crosser you have an easy pitch and catch underneath. Man coverage with no safety help over the top gets exposed by the wheel/corner route combo, especially if a linebacker is forced to match up on the wheel. Zone drops with a deep half safety rolling to the crosser's side can undercut the throw, so check for two-high shells before committing to that route in your progression.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage so the play fake actually holds linebackers and safeties honest.
Check the safety depth pre-snap: if both safeties are sitting shallow expecting run support, take the shot on the crossing route or the corner route over the top.
Use the slide route in the flat as your answer versus blitz looks since it is the fastest developing throw and gets the ball out before pressure arrives.
Pair this play in sequence with Inside Zone or HB Power O from the same set so the defense respects the run fake and their linebackers step up on the play fake.
Hot route the crossing receiver into a deeper dig if you are facing a two-high shell that is sinking underneath the intermediate window.
