Playbooks
Depth-chart slots are shown as they line up in the base package for this set.
| Player | Side | Route |
|---|---|---|
| 3DRB | Middle | Out |
| SLWR | Left | Deep Post |
| WR1 | Left | Curl |
| WR2 | Right | Drag |
| TE1 | Right | Deep Cross |
DBL Mtn PA Cross H-Flat is a play-action shot play out of Singleback Doubles Y Off Flex designed to attack downfield off a run fake while still giving you a quick check-down against pressure. The mountain motion sells run action to freeze linebackers before the QB works a deep crossing route that stretches zone defenders and picks on man coverage with natural rub potential, while the H-back releases into the flat as the built-in outlet against blitzes. Primary read progression starts with the deep cross coming across the field, then works down to the flat route if the window is not there or if the defense brings pressure.
Identify pre-snap if the defense shows a two high safety shell or a single high look, since single high often means more aggressive linebacker run fits that open up the play-action window. Watch for a user-controlled defender flashing down into the box before the snap, this signals a run blitz that plays right into the deep cross beating vacated zones. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker's drop, if he bites hard on the run fake the cross will have a clean throwing lane, if he sits and reads the QB the window tightens fast. Look for a robber or lurk defender sitting in the shallow middle zone, this is the primary defender who can jump the crossing route and turn it into a turnover if the QB forces it. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is where this play hits hardest, so identify press or trail technique on the receiver running the cross before committing to the deep read.
Use this on early downs or manageable third downs where defenses are more likely to bite on the run fake rather than sitting in a soft shell.
Check the linebacker depth pre-snap, if they are stacked near the box expecting run, the play-action freeze will be exaggerated and the cross should come open quickly.
Hot route the flat defender's man to a quick out or option if you see man coverage across the board, this gives you a faster answer against nano blitzes.
Pair this call with HB Dive or HB Pump Draw earlier in a drive to condition the defense to respect the run look, then hit this shot play once linebackers start creeping up.
Against Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells, trust the deep cross to work through the middle voids created by the flat and corner route conflict, but bail to the H-Flat if a robber defender sits in the intermediate zone.