Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA TE Cross out of Singleback Ace Double Wing is a play-action pass built off a run fake to sell the boot before the QB works backside. The diagram shows a deep crossing route from the backside TE that stems all the way across the field underneath two vertical routes on the far side, while the frontside TE runs a shallow drag/flat route and the RB checks down into the flat after chipping. This is a zone beater at its core, using the deep crosser to sit down in soft spots between zone defenders while the two verticals stretch the deep safeties, though it can also work against man coverage if the crosser can create separation off the play-action rub. The primary read progression starts with the deep crosser working across the middle, then works down to the flat route and check down if the crosser is covered or the pocket collapses.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth at the snap, since defenses that bite hard on the run fake will vacate the middle zone and leave the deep crosser wide open. Key on the safeties pre-snap, because a two high shell that rotates down late is vulnerable to the crosser sitting behind the linebackers and in front of the safeties. Post-snap, look for a user lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field, as an aggressive human-controlled linebacker or safety can jump the crosser and turn it into a pick six. Cover 3 with a strong hook defender can shut this down quickly, so be ready to check down to the flat route or the RB if that middle zone is clogged. Against man coverage, watch for a linebacker or safety blitz off the edge since the play-action fake can hold the RB in as a blocker and leave the QB exposed if the protection does not account for extra rushers.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs (1st or 2nd and short to medium) when defenses are more likely to bite on the run action out of a 23 personnel heavy formation.
Before the snap, identify if the defense is showing two deep safeties versus one high, since the crosser sits nicely in the soft spot of a two high zone shell.
If you see man coverage pre-snap, consider hot routing the flat route TE into a quick out to give yourself a faster underneath option since the crosser will take longer to develop against tight man coverage.
Pair this play with HB Power O or HB Dive from the same set to keep linebackers honest on the run fake, which sets up the play-action crosser later in a series.
Use play-action rollouts like PA Boot Lt or PA Ctr Waggle from this set as complementary calls so defenders start jumping run fakes, opening up the deep crosser even more.
