Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 16 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Counter Go from Shotgun Trips TE sells the counter run action to the backfield before the QB pulls it back for a deep passing concept. Off the play-action fake, the outermost trips receiver runs a deep go route up the sideline while the two inside trips receivers run a corner route and a deep dig that breaks across the middle, and the backside X receiver runs a shallow drag underneath the fake. The primary read progression starts with the go route on the number one receiver to see if the corner bites on the run fake, then works to the corner route breaking outside and finally down to the drag as a checkdown if the play-action does not fully hold the second level. This is a play-action shot play designed to attack aggressive run defense and single-high shells rather than a true man or zone beater in the traditional sense.
Defensive Reads
Watch for linebackers stepping up hard on the play fake, that flow confirms they are respecting the counter run and opens up the underneath drag and the deep middle read. Check the corner over the number one receiver, if he presses hard as a run fit defender or is late diagnosing pass, the go route wins immediately. Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap since single high leaves the deep sideline more exposed to the go route while two high can bracket it. Watch for a user controlled defender dropping into a deep third or lurking underneath the corner route, that is the biggest threat to disrupt the second read. Man coverage with off corners is where this play is most dangerous, so look for tight press alignment on the outside receiver as a sign the defense is prepared for the deep shot.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs like first or second and short to medium distance so the counter fake actually looks threatening to the defense.
Check safety depth before the snap, if you see one high safety cheating up near the box that is your cue to fire the go route immediately off the play fake.
Use the drag route as your answer against a hard blitz since it clears out fast and gives the QB a quick outlet if the pocket collapses before the deep routes develop.
Pair this with HB Counter and Inside Zone earlier in a series so the defense starts keying run reads, then hit them with PA Counter Go once linebackers start flowing hard on run fakes.
Hot route the corner route into a deeper corner or post if you diagnose two high safeties pre-snap, since that adjustment gives you a better shot at splitting the safeties.
