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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
PA X Burst Cross is a play-action pass out of Singleback Ace 12 personnel that uses a run fake to hold linebackers before attacking the intermediate middle of the field. The X receiver runs a burst cross that works across the field to beat man coverage on picks and natural rub separation, while an underneath crosser and flat route give you a zone beater option against Cover 3 or Cover 2 shells. Primary progression starts with the X burst cross, then works to the crossing route underneath if the initial read is jumped, with the checkdown available versus heavy pressure looks.
Defensive Reads
Watch for the strong safety cheating down into the box pre-snap, since that signals an aggressive run blitz that the play action can exploit if you get the ball out fast. Key the middle linebacker depth at the snap, since a shallow drop means he is sitting on the crosser and you should reset to the X burst cross instead. Look for a user-controlled defender flashing into the passing lane on the crossing route, which usually means the CPU or opponent is sitting a lurk defender to jump the shallow crosser. Cover 1 with a robber safety in the middle of the field is the toughest shell to beat here since it takes away both crossing routes, so check your outlet or scramble if you see this pre-snap. Fast defensive ends crashing hard on the play fake are a sign the defense is selling out to stop the run, which means your play action window will be wide open if you hold the fake long enough.
Usage Tips
Sell the play fake by holding down the run action button briefly before releasing into your pass read, since a lazy fake gets you sacked against fast defensive ends.
Use this on early downs like 1st and 10 or 2nd and medium when defenses expect run based on personnel, since 12 personnel disguises the pass intent well.
If you see a single high safety pre-snap, expect Cover 3 or Cover 1 and prioritize the X burst cross since the crossing action creates natural rub separation against man defenders.
If the safeties show two high pre-snap, be ready to check to the underdear crosser or flat route quickly since Cover 4 or Cover 2 will have defenders sitting in the shallow crossing lanes.
Pair this play with HB Stretch or 26 Duo earlier in a series to condition the defense into keying run action, then hit this play action shot when linebackers start creeping up to fill run gaps.
