Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Deep Outs runs off a play-action fake out of Shotgun Spread Flex, holding linebackers just long enough to open up two deep out breaking routes on the perimeter. The play features a four man route concept: outside receivers run flat out cuts at the sticks while the two inside receivers push vertically before snapping outside on deep outs near 15 to 18 yards, creating a natural high low stretch on each sideline. This is a man beater at its core, using the deep out breaks to create separation against trail technique, but the horizontal stretch also punishes zone defenders who sit short and fail to get depth on the outside breaking routes. Primary read progression starts with the deep out to the play side, works down to the underneath flat route on the same side, then works backside if the play side is blanketed.
Defensive Reads
Identify single high safety shells like Cover 1 or Cover 3 pre-snap, since PA Deep Outs is designed to exploit the lack of help over the top on both sidelines. Watch cornerback press alignment, hard press man leaves them vulnerable to the deep out break, so look for user controlled corners jumping the route early and be ready to layer the throw over them. Post-snap, key the flat defenders and curl to flat zone players, if they sink too deep on the play fake the underneath option routes will be wide open for an easy checkdown. Watch for a lurking linebacker or safety sitting in the passing lane on the deep out, especially in Cover 3 or Cover 4 match schemes, since a disciplined zone defender can undercut the route if the quarterback holds the ball too long. Overload zone blitzes and Cover 0 pressure packages take away the play action window entirely, so recognize extra rushers crashing downhill pre-snap and be ready to check into a quicker breaking play.
Usage Tips
Check safety alignment before the snap, this play thrives against single high shells since it removes a defender from the deep out throwing lanes on the boundary. If you see two high safeties sitting soft, hot route the underneath flat routes into quick option routes to give yourself a faster outlet against a sinking zone. Use PA Deep Outs on second and medium or third and long when defenses expect a dropback pass, the play fake freezes linebackers and buys the extra half second needed for the deep outs to break open. Pair this with Y Stick or Mesh from the same set to keep defenses honest on quick game before hitting them with the double deep out shot. Against aggressive man press corners, motion a receiver pre-snap to check for man coverage rotation, then trust the deep out to win on the boundary since the break at 15 to 18 yards is tough for trail defenders to close on.
