Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Boot Slide is a play-action rollout out of Singleback Bunch 11 personnel that pulls the QB to the boundary side while the bunch releases a three-level flood. The backside X runs a shallow drag across the formation, the two inside bunch receivers push vertical and break outside to the corner and deep out, and the boot action gives the QB a run-pass conflict for second-level defenders. This is a play-action man beater built to attack flowed linebackers, with the primary read starting on the underneath drag before working up to the deep out and corner routes as the QB rolls.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth and run fit discipline before the snap, since PA Boot Slide is designed to punish defenders who bite on the run fake and vacate their zone drops. Key the flow of the second level after the snap: if linebackers flow hard toward the fake, the shallow drag will be wide open underneath. Identify single high safety looks pre-snap, since Cover 3 and Cover 1 leave the deep out and corner routes vulnerable once the QB clears the pocket on the boot. Look for a user defender spying or lurking in the shallow zone, as that same drag route becomes a liability if the defense sits a linebacker in the throwing lane. Recognize Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with disciplined zone drops, since those coverages can squeeze both the flat and deep out, forcing the QB to hold the ball longer on the rollout and take pressure from the backside edge.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs or manageable third downs when you have already established the run game from Bunch to sell the play-action fake. Check the defensive alignment pre-snap for man coverage or single high shells, since the crossing drag and staggered vertical releases stress man defenders forced to trail through traffic. Hot route the backside drag into a shallow cross if you see a jet sweep or edge blitz coming from that side, since the QB roll needs that lane protected. Use the deep out as your primary answer versus zone drops that sink and cover the flat, and climb to the corner route if a linebacker widens with the QB run threat. Pair this with HB Slash or Inside Zone Split earlier in a series to get defenders keying run fits, then hit them with PA Boot Slide once linebackers start crashing downhill.
