Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA Crossers runs a play-action fake out of Shotgun Trey Y-Flex Str, holding the second level with a run fake before the QB works a crossing route concept underneath two deep outs. The two outside receivers to the boundary run vertical routes up the numbers, the slot receiver runs a deep crossing route from the strong side all the way across the field, and the flex TE releases into a corner style out route breaking to the sideline at a shallow depth. The primary read progression starts with the crosser working from strong side to weak side, then works to the corner breaking route for a quick outlet against man coverage that jumps the vertical releases.
Defensive Reads
Watch the safety depth pre-snap since a two high shell signals zone coverage and tells you the crosser will have room to work in the middle void. Man coverage shows tighter alignment on the outside receivers and often triggers a rat linebacker or lurk defender sitting on the crossing route, so be ready to user that defender and jump the throwing lane. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge can be exploited since the play-action fake slows down pursuit, but a well timed inside blitz can beat the protection before the crosser develops. Cover 3 shells with a deep middle defender will squeeze the crosser's window, so look to the corner breaking route from the flex TE as the counter against that shell. If the linebackers do not bite on the run fake and stay in their zone drops, the crosser will likely be taken away, forcing the quick throw to the flex TE's out route.
Usage Tips
Use the play-action fake to freeze linebackers on early down and distance situations like 1st and 10 or 2nd and short where the defense expects run support. Read the flex TE's corner breaking route first against man coverage since defenders often trail on the crosser and open a throwing window underneath. Against zone shells, key the crosser as it works through the middle void created by the vertical routes clearing out the deep safeties. Hot route the outside receivers into hitches or curls if you see a two deep shell sitting on the verticals to give yourself a quicker underneath option. Pair this play with Inside Zone or HB Draw from the same set to sell the run fake and keep defenders honest before dialing up PA Crossers on the next snap.
