Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA X Deep Out is a play-action pass out of Singleback Deuce Close (12 personnel) that shows run action to the HB before the QB pulls and works a three-level stretch. The X receiver breaks off a deep out at the boundary, a TE runs a deep crossing route from the opposite side that clears the middle, and the remaining TE releases into a shallow drag underneath while the HB checks down into the flat. The blocking scheme sells inside zone with the offensive line stepping down to hold the front, buying time for the deep out to develop. Primary progression is X deep out first, working back to the crossing TE, then settling on the underneath drag or HB check as the outlet.
Defensive Reads
Watch the deep safety pre-snap: a single high look tells you Cover 3 or Cover 1 is live, both of which leave the boundary deep out vulnerable if the corner sits on the underneath drag. Post-snap, key the flat or curl to flat defender since he has to choose between the shallow drag and the check route, and if he sinks with the drag the deep out window opens instantly. Identify Cover 2 shells before the snap because the corner sitting on top of the deep out can jump the route if the safety rotates late, making this a poor call versus a disciplined two deep look. Look for user-controlled defenders lurking in the deep third or robbing the crossing TE route, since a smart user player will sit on the deep out anticipating the primary read. Beware disguised blitzes that bring extra rushers off the edge, since the play-action hold and deep out timing need a clean pocket, and a fast interior pressure package can force an early checkdown to the HB.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs when the defense is keying run so the play-action freeze actually holds linebackers for a beat.
Check for single high safety pre-snap: the deep out to the boundary has a natural void versus Cover 3 and Cover 1 because the flat defender has to respect the drag and check route underneath.
If the CB is playing hard outside leverage or you see Cover 2, hot route the X to a comeback or hitch to avoid throwing into the sideline squeeze.
Pair this with PA Deep Cross and PA X Post Cross from the same set so the defense sees identical run action and TE releases but different route breakpoints, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their run fits.
Best called on 2nd and medium or 3rd and short where defenses are more willing to bite on the play fake, and avoid it on 3rd and long since the deep out takes time to develop against pressure.
