Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Mtn PA HB Seam is a play-action pass out of Shotgun Split Y Off with 21 personnel that uses motion to set the backfield before the fake. Off the play-action fake, the HB releases up the seam as the primary vertical threat while both outside receivers break outside on comeback style routes, and the offensive line pass protects to sell the run fake. This is a man beater at its core, designed to attack linebackers and safeties who bite on the run action, with the seam route as the clear first read and the outside comebacks serving as the secondary options if the middle of the field is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Key the middle linebacker and strong safety at the snap, if they step up hard on the play-action fake the seam will be wide open behind them. Cover 3 and Cover 1 with aggressive run support are the most vulnerable shells since the seam splits the zone drops or beats man coverage vertically. Two high safety shells like Cover 2 or Cover 4 are the biggest threat to this concept since a deep safety can sit over the top and rob the seam route. Watch for a nano blitz or overload pressure package, since the quarterback needs time to sell the fake before climbing the pocket to deliver the seam throw. If the user controls a linebacker and sinks into the seam window instead of respecting run action, check down to the outside comeback routes instead of forcing the throw.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion to identify if the defense shifts a linebacker or safety, which tells you whether they are keying run or staying honest in coverage.
Look for single high safety shells before the snap, since this play thrives when the safety has to respect the play-action and bites downhill.
Hot route the backside comeback into a deeper dig or post if you are facing a two high shell that sits on the seam.
Run this on early downs like first or second and short to mid yardage where defenses are more likely to load the box or play aggressive run fits.
Pair this with Mtn H Angle or Mtn Triple Option Lt earlier in a drive so the defense respects the run action, then dial up this seam shot when you see linebackers creeping up.
