Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Deep Post runs from Shotgun Tight 11 personnel and opens with a play-action fake to sell the run before the pocket sets. The backside receiver and slot both push vertical then break outward to the corners, the inside slot runs a deep post splitting the safeties, the play side outside receiver runs a corner route to clear the flat, and the fullback or TE releases on a shallow drag underneath as a checkdown against zone drops. The primary read starts with the deep post attacking the middle of the field against man or single high shells, then works to the corner route on the play side if the safety jumps the post, and finally checks down to the drag route if the pocket collapses or both verticals are covered.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single high versus two high safety alignment since two high shells put an extra defender in position to help on the deep post. Watch cornerback depth at the line, tight press alignment signals man coverage and opens the post against inside leverage. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker's drop, a fast sink into the throwing lane can jump the post route and bait a pick if the quarterback stares it down too long. User-controlled safeties who bail hard to the post side leave the corner route open on the play side, so counter by moving to that route if you see the safety cheat over. Disguised blitzes off the edge exploit the play-action fake since the offensive line is initially selling run, so watch for late-showing pressure that can force an early or errant throw before the post fully develops.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or second and medium when defenses are still respecting the run fake from Shotgun Tight sets.
Look for single high safety shells pre-snap since the deep post is designed to split a Cover 3 or Cover 1 defender before he can rotate over.
Hot route the drag runner into a deeper crossing route if you diagnose zone coverage to give yourself a second intermediate window.
Pair this call with HB Draw or Read Option from the same formation to keep the defense honest on run fits before dialing up the post shot.
Sequence this after a few reps of Slot Stick or Stick to bait linebackers into sitting on shorter routes, then hit the post over the top once they bite.
