Playbooks

Orbit PA Cross

Shotgun·Spread Y-Slot·11

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 2 playbooks

Saints OffenseOffenseNFL Live Saints OffenseOffense

Breakdown

Orbit PA Cross is a play-action shot play out of Shotgun Spread Y-Slot that uses an orbit motion from the backfield to sell run action before the quarterback works into a deep crossing route concept. The orbit motion man loops behind the quarterback to fake a jet sweep or swing look, holding the play side linebacker and safety for a beat while the Y receiver breaks across the field on a deep cross to attack the vacated middle of the field. This is primarily a man beater since the crossing route creates natural separation against trailing defenders, and the primary read progression starts with the play fake action, then goes to the deep cross, working back to any underneath checkdown or the backside dig or curl if the safety jumps the crosser.

Defensive Reads

Read the linebacker level first, if they bite hard on the orbit motion fake and step up to defend the run the middle of the field opens up for the deep cross Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, single high man coverage is where this play hits hardest since the cross clears the opposite hash Watch for a user controlled defender sitting in the deep middle or lurking near the crossing route stem, that is the primary threat that can jump the route and bait an interception Key the corner across from the crosser, if he stays with man technique and does not get a switch or bracket help the route should win versus most man coverages Beware of zone blitz packages that drop a defensive lineman into the shallow zone while bringing extra rushers off the edge, this can collapse the pocket before the deep cross fully develops

Usage Tips

Use this play on second or third and medium to long when defenses are more willing to bite on run action or play-action fakes

Check the pre snap safety alignment, if you see two high safeties sitting deep the play action fake will not hold them as long so be ready to work the cross quickly

Motion the orbit man early to see if the defense shifts a linebacker or safety, this reveals man coverage if a defender follows the motion across the formation

Pair this play with Jet Inside Zone or Same Side Zone earlier in the drive so the defense respects the orbit motion as a real run threat, making the play action fake far more effective later

If the deep cross is taken away by a sinking linebacker or a robber safety, hot route the flat or checkdown route to a quick out or shallow drag to move the chains instead of forcing the throw

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