Playbooks
PA Misdirection is a play-action pass out of Singleback Bunch Base 21 personnel that sells a misdirection run fake before the QB pulls and works the pass concept off the bunch alignment. The backfield fake and opposite-flow blocking hold linebackers and safeties for a beat, opening up the intermediate crossers and out breaking routes from the bunch. This is a man beater against aggressive linebacker flow, and the primary read progression starts with the underneath breaking route out of the bunch before working back to the backside dig or comeback if the initial window is taken away.
Pre-snap, identify single high shells like Cover 1 or Cover 3, this play thrives when the defense is playing aggressive run support out of those looks. Key the play side linebacker immediately after the snap, if he bites hard on the run fake the underneath route will be open in the void he vacates. Watch for a spy or a defender sitting in the throwing lane, disciplined defenses that stay home on misdirection will take away the easy completion and force a longer developing throw. Cover 4 or Cover 6 shells with disciplined safeties can sit on the crossing routes, so be ready to check to the backside comeback if the safety does not bite on the fake. Beware of nano blitzes or delayed pressure off the edge that time up with the play-action fake, since the extra beat needed to sell the run can get the quarterback hit before he finishes his read.
Run this on early downs like first or second and medium to keep the defense honest against your run heavy Bunch Base package.
Check the linebacker depth pre-snap, if they are sitting flat footed reading run keys you have a green light to take the play-action shot.
Use the pump fake and hold your eyes on the play side to freeze user controlled linebackers before working through your progression.
Hot route the backside receiver into a quick out or speed out against man coverage if you see a corner pressed at the line with no safety help over the top.
Sequence this with HB Counter and PA End Around earlier in the drive so the defense commits to stopping misdirection runs, then punish overplayed linebacker flow with this pass.