Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Read is a play-action shot play out of Shotgun Spread Y-Slot Wk that uses a hard fake to the running back to hold the linebackers before attacking downfield. Off the fake, one outside receiver runs a deep post while the other breaks off a corner route to the opposite side, and the play features an over route working from one side of the field to the other along with a shallow drag underneath to give the quarterback a checkdown against pressure. The primary read progression starts with the deep post or corner based on the safety rotation, then works down to the over route crossing the middle, and finally to the underneath drag as the last resort against a well timed blitz.
Defensive Reads
Look for single high safety shells like Cover 3 or Cover 1 pre-snap, since this play is designed to exploit the post route against a lone deep defender. Watch the corner routes for Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells where two deep safeties split the field, in that case the boundary corner route becomes the better shot play read. Identify user-controlled lurk defenders sitting in the middle of the field, they can jump the over route if the quarterback is late on the throw. Key linebacker depth after the snap, if they sink hard into zone drops without respecting the play-action fake, check down to the shallow drag immediately. Beware disguised zone blitzes that bring an extra rusher off the edge, since the play-action fake slows the quarterback's setup and leaves less time to climb the progression if pressure arrives quickly.
Usage Tips
Check the safety alignment before the snap to decide whether the post or corner route is your first read, since a single high safety opens the post while two deep safeties favor the corner route to the boundary.
Sell the play-action fake by holding the RB action button momentarily, this manipulates linebackers and buys the deep routes an extra half second to clear the second level.
Use this play on early downs like first and second and short to medium yardage situations where defenses are more likely to respect the run fake and bite on the RPO look.
Hot route the shallow drag into a burst run or speed drag if you are facing a defense that likes to sit its underneath zone defenders, this creates easier YAC opportunities.
Pair PA Read with Read Option or Mtn Buck Sweep earlier in a drive so the defense keys run first, then hit them with the deep shots off this same formation once linebackers start crashing downhill.
