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Breakdown
PA Read out of Shotgun Spread 10 personnel shows a play-action shot off run fakes with four receivers releasing into routes. The outside receiver runs a vertical seam up the numbers, the slot receiver on that side works a deep dig across the middle, and on the opposite side the inside receiver runs a corner route while the outside receiver runs a shallow drag underneath. The blocking scheme uses the offensive line to sell the run fake before sliding into pass protection, buying time for the deep shots to develop. The primary read progression starts with the corner route as the isolation shot, moves to the deep dig working from the opposite hash, and comes back down to the drag as the checkdown against pressure.
Defensive Reads
Identify single high safety shells like Cover 3 or Cover 1 pre-snap since the corner route becomes a strong isolation throw against those coverages. Watch linebacker depth before the snap, if they are stacked close to the line they are more likely to bite on the run fake and open up the deep dig behind them. Post-snap, key the flat or hook defender on the drag route side since a passing defender who sits will take away the shallow checkdown and force the quarterback to hold the ball. Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells with two deep safeties can be the toughest matchup since they take away both the seam and the corner route with help over the top. Watch for a user controlled defender lurking in the shallow middle or spying the quarterback, since they can jump the deep dig route if the quarterback stares it down too long.
Usage Tips
Run this out of run heavy personnel and down and distance situations like 2nd and short or 1st and 10 so the defense respects the play fake and linebackers step up. Read the deep safeties before the snap, if you see a single high safety rotate away from the corner route side that route is on an island against a corner in man coverage. Against Cover 3 or zone shells, work the deep dig since it settles into the void between the hook defender and the deep third defender. Use the drag route as your hot route answer against blitzes since it clears fast underneath and gives you a quick outlet. Pair this play in a sequence with HB Option or Inside Zone to keep the defense honest on the run fake, then hit them with PA Read once they start crashing downhill on early downs.
