Playbooks

PA Sprint HB Flat

Singleback·Ace·12
Play ActionFlatPass Play
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback
SetAce

In 1 playbook

Franchise Offense Redzone PassOffense

Breakdown

PA Sprint HB Flat is a play-action sprint out concept run from Singleback Ace with 12 personnel that pulls the QB toward the flat behind a fake handoff to sell run action. The design typically features the HB releasing into the flat while a TE or WR works an intermediate crossing or corner route to stretch the defense vertically and horizontally off the run fake. It functions as a zone beater against light box looks and single high shells, with the primary read progression going flat route first for the quick, easy completion, then working up to the intermediate breaking route if the underneath defender bites on the play fake.

Defensive Reads

Pre snap, identify if the strong safety or free safety is cheating down into the box, this signals man coverage or run blitz and opens up the corner or crossing route behind the flat defender Watch the flat defender at the snap, if he sits and reads the QB instead of biting on the play fake, the flat throw will be there for a minimal gain only Zone shells like Cover 3 and Cover 4 with soft corners can be shut down if the cornerback stays deep and the flat defender does not commit to run action, forcing a checkdown Man coverage with an overhang defender on the TE or slot is the toughest matchup, use the sprint out timing to let the route develop and throw with anticipation before the underneath defender recovers Beware of user controlled lurk defenders sitting in the shallow zone, they can jump the flat route if the CPU flow does not fully commit to the play fake, so double clutch or look off before releasing the ball

Usage Tips

Use this on early downs when the defense is stacking the box expecting HB Stretch or Inside Zone from this same personnel group to maximize the play fake sell

Check the flat defender pre snap, if a linebacker or slot corner is sitting in the flat with no run fear, hot route the flat route to a shallow drag or hitch instead

Attack Cover 3 and Cover 1 shells where the underneath defenders have run first responsibilities, the sprint action pulls flow away from the throwing lane

Pair this play in sequence with HB Stretch or Mtn Wide Zone earlier in a series so the defense keys run action and bites on the fake, then punish them with the flat and corner combo

On third and short or in the red zone, roll the pocket away from pressure and use the sprint out mechanic to buy time if the primary read is covered, checking down to the HB is almost always available

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