Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Deep In runs off a play-action fake with the offensive line selling run blocking up front, giving the quarterback a beat to work through the play fake before turning to pass. The backside X receiver runs a deep in that crosses the field on a flat plane behind the linebackers, while the slot receiver on that side climbs vertically before breaking back to the quarterback on a deep comeback. On the strong side, the TE releases into a short in route as a checkdown option and the RB runs a flat route out of the backfield, with the far outside receiver running a solo vertical seam. This is a play-action man and zone beater built to attack linebackers who bite on the run fake, with the primary read progression going from the deep in crosser first, to the comeback route second, and the TE flat/in route as the checkdown against pressure.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth at the snap, since shallow zone drops or aggressive run fits get exposed by the deep in route sitting behind them. Identify single high safety looks pre-snap, which signal man coverage underneath and open up the comeback route on the slot receiver. Cover 3 with sped up linebacker drops can take away the deep in crosser, so respect that shell if the defense shows it consistently. Watch for a user lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field, since that defender can jump the deep in route if the quarterback stares it down too long. Blitz packages that bring five or six rushers put pressure on the play fake timing, so check the RB flat and TE checkdown immediately if the offensive line shows signs of losing the edge.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like first and second and long when defenses respect the run fake off Singleback personnel. Check pre-snap for two deep safeties versus single high, since a single high shell tells you the comeback route on the slot side should have space against man coverage. If linebackers are sitting shallow in zone drops, the deep in route will sit down in the window behind them, so hold the throw an extra beat to let it develop. Hot route the RB to a stick or angle route if you expect a blitz, since the flat route alone will not hold up against overload pressure. Pair this play with HB Dive or HB Blunt Dive earlier in a series to get linebackers flowing downhill, then come back to PA Deep In to hit the crosser once the play fake sells. Sequence with Four Verticals from the same formation to keep the defense honest against both shot plays and the intermediate crossing shot.
