Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA WR In is a play-action shot play out of Shotgun Trey 4WR that dresses up a run fake before attacking downfield. Off the play fake, the backside single receiver runs a deep in that settles across the middle of the field as a man beater option, while the trips side stacks a deep corner route from the outside receiver over top of an out breaking route from the slot, creating a high low stretch to that side. The remaining trips receiver runs a shallow crossing route underneath, giving the quarterback a checkdown if the deep shots are covered. Primary progression starts with the deep corner route on the trips side, works down to the in route working across the field, and ends with the underneath crosser as the last resort.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single high versus two high safety alignment, since single high opens the deep in route and two high forces you to the corner route on the trips side. Watch linebacker depth before the snap: if they are sitting shallow expecting run action, that confirms this is a good play call since they will bite on the fake and vacate the middle. Post-snap, key the flow of the middle linebacker or any user controlled defender dropping into a lurk position, since a rat in the passing lane can jump the deep in route. This concept beats man coverage because the corner and in routes create natural separation angles, but it struggles against a sound Cover 3 or Cover 4 shell where the deep in route runs into a hard flat to curl defender. If the defense shows heavy blitz pressure with man coverage behind it, get to the underneath crosser quickly since the deep routes will not have time to develop against a fast blitz timing.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs or in play action heavy sequences when you have already established the run game, since the fake needs linebackers biting to open passing lanes.
Check the middle of the field pre-snap: if it is a single high safety, prioritize the deep in route since the safety cannot cover the middle and the corner route on the trips side simultaneously.
Against two high shells, look immediately to the corner route on the trips side, since the deep in route will run into safety help over the middle.
Hot route the underneath crosser into a deeper drag or spot if you are getting quick pressure, since the play action drop takes extra time and you need a faster outlet.
Pair this play with Four Verticals or Switch Verts earlier in a drive so linebackers respect the play fake, then come back to PA WR In to hit the deep in route once the defense starts sitting on quick game.
