Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn PA Smash runs off play action out of Shotgun Y Off Trips, with the offset back showing motion (the yellow route starting wide left before breaking back across the field) while the play fakes the run to hold the linebackers. The trips side shows a classic smash combo: the outside receiver runs a deep corner route (red) stretching the field vertically, while the underneath receiver sits on a short flat route (blue) to occupy the cornerback low. The motion man crosses the field on a shallow drag underneath the corner route, giving the quarterback a high low read that stresses two defenders in the same vertical zone. Primary progression is corner first for the big play, then flat, then the crossing drag as the checkdown against zone drops.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single high versus two high safeties, this concept is designed to punish two high shells like Cover 2 or Cover 4 where the corner route can sit in the seam behind the corner. Watch the flat defender post-snap, if he sinks with the corner route the flat and drag are wide open underneath for an easy checkdown. If the cornerback presses and shows man coverage before the snap, expect the smash corner route to win one on one against most zone or man corners that do not get a deep safety over the top. Key the play action fake, if linebackers bite hard on the run fake it opens up throwing lanes for both the drag route and the corner route since underneath zones vacate. Beware of user controlled safeties sitting on the corner route, if the human defender stays deep and does not respect the run fake, come off the primary read quickly and work the flat or drag instead.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion to identify if the defense is playing man or zone, if the defender follows the motion man across the formation you know its man coverage and can lean toward the corner route winning outside.
This play is a premier Cover 2 beater since the corner route sits right in the void behind the cornerback and in front of the safety, so call this on early downs against two high shells to test if the safety cheats late.
On third and short, prioritize the flat route or the drag underneath since defenses will often play soft zone to prevent the big play, take the easy completion and move the chains.
Pair this with Mtn Stick or Mtn Curl N Go earlier in a series so the defense respects the quick game, then dial up Mtn PA Smash to hit the corner route deep once linebackers start jumping short routes.
Watch the play clock and snap timing on the play fake, holding the ball too long lets edge rushers close on the quarterback since play action reduces protection hesitation windows.
