Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 11 playbooks
Breakdown
PA End Around Sift is a play-action pass out of Singleback Bunch that disguises an end around fake to hold the linebackers before the QB works a three level stretch to the field side. The backside receiver runs a deep vertical up the numbers as a shot play option while the two bunch receivers work a sift concept: one sits down on a corner route breaking outside near the sideline and the other clears out on an out breaking route to the flat, with a third route crossing underneath into the opposite flat for a checkdown. The blocking scheme sends the offensive line into pass protection while the end around action pulls flow defenders away from the throwing lanes, making this a man beater against aggressive linebacker flow and a zone beater against defenses that bite on the run fake. Primary read progression starts with the deep vertical off the play fake, then works to the corner route breaking to the sideline, and finishes with the underneath crosser as the checkdown.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth and flow pre-snap since this play is designed to punish defenders who key hard on the end around action and abandon their zone drops. Identify single high safety looks as a green light for the offense to attack the deep vertical route, so if you are on defense rotate a safety over the top or play the corner route from outside leverage. Man coverage on the bunch receivers is vulnerable to the corner and sift combo creating natural rub and pick opportunities, so zone coverage with disciplined drops is a better answer. Post-snap, key the QB eyes and ball fake, if the play fake is not respected by a spy or contain defender the run itself becomes a live threat and must be accounted for. User a defender to lurk the underneath crossing route since that checkdown becomes the QB's outlet when both the vertical and corner routes are covered downfield.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage when defenses are primed to respect the run out of Bunch personnel.
Sell the end around fake by holding the ball fake animation through its full duration before checking your first read, since defenders that bite on the run open up the vertical shot play.
If the defense shows single high safety pre-snap, prioritize the deep vertical route since the corner will likely be isolated without help over the top.
Hot route the underneath crosser into a spot or sit route against zone heavy shells to give the QB a quick answer if the deep routes are covered.
Pair this play with HB Slash Fk End Arnd or Quick Pitch from the same set to condition the defense into respecting perimeter run action, then dial up PA End Around Sift once linebackers start cheating downhill on run fakes.
