Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA X Post Cross uses a play-action fake out of Singleback Deuce Close 12 personnel to hold the linebackers before attacking the middle of the field. The diagram shows the X receiver running a deep post from the backside while a TE or slot runs a crosser underneath through the formation, with an outlet running a shallow drag to the boundary and another receiver releasing vertically up the numbers. The primary read progression starts with the post shot off the play-action fake, works down to the crosser sitting behind the linebackers, and finishes with the drag as the checkdown. This is a man beater against single high looks and also stresses zone defenders who have to respect the run fake before dropping into coverage.
Defensive Reads
Check pre-snap safety alignment, a single high safety is a green light for the post since it removes a defender from that throwing lane Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they bite hard on the run fake the crosser will be wide open in the void they vacate Identify Cover 3 or Cover 1 shells since both struggle to defend the combination of post and crosser attacking different levels Beware of a robber or lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field, this can jump the crosser route and bait a turnover Man coverage with no help over the top gets beaten easily by the post, but disciplined zone defenders who stay home on their fake reads can take away both the post and crosser
Usage Tips
Sell the play-action fake by holding the left stick toward the run action before dropping back, since defenders who bite on the fake open up the post and crosser instantly
Use this on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage so the run fake actually holds the box and linebackers
If you see a single high safety pre-snap, prioritize the post route immediately since it has a clean angle behind the safety
Against zone shells, work the crosser as your first read since it settles into the soft spot behind the underneath defenders and in front of the safety
Pair this with PA Deep Cross or PA Post Dig from the same set to keep defenders guessing between crossing patterns and double move posts off identical play-action looks
