Playbooks
Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.
| Player | Side | Route |
|---|---|---|
| HB1 | Middle | Pass Block |
| TE1 | Right | Pass Block |
| WR2 | Left | Deep Cross |
| WR1 | Right | Corner |
| FB1 | Right | Flat |
PA Zone WK is a play-action pass out of Singleback Bunch Base that opens with an inside zone run fake to sell the run action before the QB works a weak side attack off the bunch tight alignment. The offensive line executes zone run blocking steps to freeze linebackers and pull safeties toward the box, buying the QB time to hit a weak side crosser or flat route while a vertical threat clears out the deep safety. The primary read starts with the weak side flat or drag route as the first look, then progresses to the deep shot if the play fake pulls the second level defenders out of position.
Key the second level linebackers immediately after the snap, if they step up hard on the zone fake you have a clean throwing window underneath. Watch the weak side safety pre-snap, if he is aligned in the box or shows late rotation he is likely to bite on the run action and open up the deep route. Identify Cover 3 or single high shells before the snap since the play action freezes the underneath zone defenders and creates seams for the crosser. Beware Cover 4 or Cover 2 Man looks where the corner on the bunch side can sit on short routes and the safety stays deep, this coverage limits the big play upside. Watch for a delayed blitz or contain defender crashing the edge on the play fake side, since that can collapse the pocket before the deep route develops.
Run this on early downs like first and second and short to keep defenses honest against your inside zone run game from the same Bunch Base set. Check the defense pre-snap for run blitz cues like linebackers creeping into the box or a safety cheating down, since that flow directly into your PA read. If the defense shows two deep safeties, hot route the drag man to run underneath and settle in the void created by the zone run fake. Pair this with H Zone WK and HB Counter earlier in a series so defenders start keying zone run action, then punish that tendency with PA Zone WK for the explosive shot play. Best used on second and medium or third and short when defenders are more willing to bite on the run fake and vacate coverage responsibilities.