Playbooks

PA Slot Cross

Shotgun·Y Off Trips·11

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

In 2 playbooks

Buccaneers OffenseOffenseNFL Live Buccaneers OffenseOffense

Breakdown

PA Slot Cross is a play-action pass out of Shotgun Y Off Trips designed to hit crossing routes underneath while the play fake holds the linebackers. The trips side works a crossing combo that stresses man coverage with natural rub picks, while the backside and TE work off the run fake to occupy second-level defenders. This is primarily a man beater thanks to the crossing traffic, though it has zone beater qualities against zone shells that sag underneath. The primary read progression starts with the shallow crosser working across the field, then works to the intermediate crossing route breaking opposite, and finally checks down to the release from the backfield if both crossers are covered.

Defensive Reads

Watch the linebacker depth at the snap, since shallow or aggressive run fits mean they will bite on the play fake and open the crossing lanes underneath. Identify man coverage by checking if corners are pressed or shaded inside on the trips receivers, which signals the crossers will win on the natural rub. Look for a robber or lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field, since that defender can jump the shallow crosser if the quarterback stares it down too long. Zone coverage with a sky safety rotating down can undercut the intermediate crosser, so be ready to work back to the checkdown or backside option. Heavy blitz packages with five or six rushers will pressure the play fake quickly, so recognize the extra rusher pre-snap and be prepared to get the ball out on the first crosser instead of holding for the second read.

Usage Tips

Sell the run fake with the stick before checking the crossers, since a lazy play-action animation gives linebackers time to sink and cut the crossing lanes.

Use this on early downs like first and second and short to medium yardage situations where defenses are still respecting the run out of 11 personnel.

Check pre-snap for man coverage indicators such as corners aligned tight on the trips receivers, since the natural rub from the crossing routes will spring separation against man defenders.

If you see a two high shell with soft underneath zone, hot route the crosser into a shallow drag to sit in the void created by the play-action freeze.

Pair this with HB Zone Toss or Inside Zone from the same set so the defense commits to run fits before you dial up PA Slot Cross to punish overaggressive linebacker flow.

Other Plays in Y Off Trips