Playbooks
PA Walk Choice Levels is a play-action passing concept built off the run fake to hold linebackers and clear underneath throwing lanes. The route structure stacks levels concepts, with a choice route (option route) built in on one side that reads the defender's leverage and breaks in, out, or sits based on man or zone technique. This is a strong zone beater against Cover 2 and Cover 3 because the levels concept stretches the intermediate zones vertically while the choice route settles into soft spots, and the primary read progression starts with the choice route defender's reaction before working to the levels combo underneath.
Identify single high versus two high safety alignment before the snap to determine if the choice route will face man or zone leverage. Watch the linebacker depth at the snap, if they bite hard on the play-action fake the levels combo will have wide open throwing lanes underneath. This play struggles against disciplined zone drops from Cover 3 sky or Cover 4 if the defense does not respect the run fake and linebackers sink into the levels routes immediately. Look for user-controlled defenders sitting in the shallow zone or lurking near the choice route breakpoint, since a smart user will bait the quarterback into an interception if the read is telegraphed. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the ideal shell to attack, since the choice route will win on a hard cut and the levels concept clears space underneath for a layered attack.
Sell the play-action fake by holding the ball on the fake handoff animation as long as possible to freeze linebackers before turning to your first read.
Check the choice route first against man coverage since the receiver will win with a quick separation move, but if you see zone shells shift your eyes to the levels combo underneath immediately.
Use this play on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage since the run fake carries more weight and defenses respect the run action.
Pair this with Power G in your play-calling sequence so the defense has to respect the actual run threat, making the play-action fake on Walk Choice Levels far more effective later in the drive.
Hot route the underneath levels receiver into a quicker breaking route if you are facing a defense that brings a lot of pressure, since the choice route can take too long to develop against the blitz.