PA Boot from Singleback Bunch TE is a play-action rollout concept that sells inside zone before the QB boots to the right edge, holding the defense off the run fake. The bunch alignment releases a deep post/corner combo from the yellow route breaking hard away up the far sideline, a red route running underneath at intermediate depth as a delayed crosser, and a blue drag sitting in the shallow zone as a checkdown, while the white route out of the backfield swings out to the flat as the boot rolls out to that side. The primary progression starts with the flat route to see how the flat defender reacts, works to the intermediate crosser sitting down in the void, and comes back to the deep shot up top if the safety bites on the run action, making this a strong play-action shot play against teams that overplay the ground game.

Defensive Reads

Key the safety depth before the snap. Two high shells with safeties sitting deep will make the yellow post/corner route tougher to hit, so lean on the intermediate red crosser instead. Watch the flat defender's assignment right after the snap. If he sinks with the crosser instead of widening to the boot side flat, the white route out of the backfield is wide open. Identify Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells by seeing if corners bail immediately at the snap. Those zone shells leave the shallow drag and flat combo open underneath since the deep defenders are focused on the vertical threats. Beware of edge blitzes or contain rushers crashing the boot side, since the rollout mechanics of this play are vulnerable to fast off-ball pressure that beats the offensive tackle before the fake fully develops. Man coverage with underneath lurk defenders sitting in the throwing lanes can jump the shallow crosser, so be ready to reset to the deep shot if you see a linebacker sitting in the passing window instead of chasing his man.

Usage Tips

Use this on early downs like first or second and short when the defense expects run, since the play fake carries more weight and safeties are more likely to step up.

Check the flat defender pre snap. If you see a defender sitting outside near the boot side, expect the white flat route to be covered and prioritize the red crosser sitting down behind the underneath zone.

Roll the QB out with the boot action using the right stick or manual movement to extend the play and buy time for the deep yellow route to uncover against zone shells.

Pair this with Inside Zone or Mtn Inside Zone earlier in a series so the run fake on PA Boot actually threatens linebackers and safeties who have seen the same backfield action.

Against aggressive man coverage, hot route the blue drag into a deeper in cut to give yourself a true man beater underneath if the corner routes get taken away by physical press coverage.

PA Boot

Quick Reference

In 4 playbooks

Receiver routes

Read progression

Breakdown

Defensive Reads

Usage Tips

Other Plays in Bunch TE