Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
X Post out of Singleback Ace 12 personnel isolates the X receiver on a deep post from the left side while the right side runs a flat and out combo to hold the flat defender and clear space underneath. The TE from the right side releases on a deep crossing route toward the numbers, giving the quarterback a high low read on the strong side if the post is not open. This is a man beater built to attack single high coverage, with the X post serving as the primary read and the deep crosser as the second progression against zone drops.
Defensive Reads
Read the middle of the field pre-snap, single high man coverage (Cover 1 or Cover 3) is the biggest weakness this play exploits with the post route. Watch the strong side linebacker depth, if he sinks hard on the crosser it opens a throwing lane behind him for the post. User the deep half safety if playing defense, since the post is the clear go to route and jumping the route early can bait a turnover. Cover 2 shells with two deep safeties shut this play down since the post has no room to work behind the safety. Watch for a blitz off the edge, since the deep developing post needs a full progression and pressure will force the quarterback into a quick checkdown to the flat.
Usage Tips
Check the safety alignment pre-snap, a single high safety is the green light to take a shot on the X post immediately off play action or straight dropback.
If you see two deep safeties, work through your progression to the deep crosser since the post will likely have help over the top.
Hot route the flat route into a quicker option on third and short to give yourself a checkdown against blitz looks.
Pair this play with PA Post Dig or PA Post Cross Shot in your play calling sequence so defenses cannot key on the post route without respecting the run action.
Use this on first or second down in shot plays sequences since the deep developing post needs time, so avoid calling it into obvious late down blitz situations.
