Playbooks

PA Deep Cross

Singleback·Deuce Close·12
Play ActionCrosserPass PlayDigFlat
Play diagram for PA Deep Cross from Singleback Deuce Close in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback

In 14 playbooks

49ers OffenseOffenseCardinals OffenseOffenseFranchise Offense MaxprotectOffensePackers OffenseOffenseSingleback OffenseOffenseSteelers OffenseOffenseSuperstar HB AgileSuperstar HB BruiserTexans OffenseOffenseNFL Live 49ers OffenseOffenseNFL Live Cardinals OffenseOffenseNFL Live Packers OffenseOffense

Breakdown

PA Deep Cross runs out of Singleback Deuce Close with 12 personnel, selling a run fake before the QB works a deep crossing route concept. The play action fake holds the linebackers just long enough for the deep crosser breaking from the right side all the way across the field, while the two underneath routes from the left create a shallow crosser and a low out to clear space underneath. The primary read progression starts with the deep cross coming across the middle of the field, then works down to the shallow crosser and finally the underneath out route if the coverage squeezes the deep route.

Defensive Reads

This concept beats man coverage because the deep cross gets natural traffic and separation from the underneath crossers running through the same area. Watch for a robber or lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field, since a user controlled safety can jump the deep cross if you throw it too early. Against Cover 3, identify the flow of the linebackers on the play action fake, if they bite hard you have a clean throwing lane on the deep cross behind them. Cover 2 shells with two deep safeties can squeeze the deep cross late, so be ready to work down to the shallow crosser or the underneath out route. Look for blitz packages that bring extra defenders off the edge, since the deep drop by the tight end at the top of the screen suggests protection is not designed to hold up long against a heavy pass rush.

Usage Tips

Use this play on second and long or third and medium once you have established the run game from Deuce Close to keep linebackers honest on the play action fake.

Check the safety alignment before the snap, if you see a single high safety cheating toward the deep cross side, be ready to check down immediately to the shallow crosser.

Hot route the underneath out route into a quick flat route against teams that show heavy Cover 3 zone drops to give yourself a faster outlet.

Pair this play with PA Boot Corner Post or PA Drag Wheel earlier in a series so the defense respects both the deep cross and the boot action, making the linebacker flow easier to manipulate later in the drive.

Take a shot with the deep cross on early downs when you have play action tendencies built up, since the crosser stretches the entire width of the field and creates natural rub action against man coverage.

Other Plays in Deuce Close