Playbooks
PA Jet Sweep Scissors
Breakdown
PA Jet Sweep Scissors sells the jet sweep fake to the motion man before working a scissors concept on the backside, with the TE running a deep crossing route to the corner and the outside WR crossing underneath to the opposite corner, creating a natural rub against man coverage. Underneath, one receiver runs a quick out while the other runs a shallow drag across the field, giving the quarterback an outlet if the deep crossers are covered. This is a play-action pass built to attack Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells, and the primary read progression starts with the scissors crossers up top before working down to the shallow drag and out route underneath.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and width since two deep safeties sitting over the top signals Cover 2 or Cover 4, which is exactly what this scissors concept is designed to exploit. Watch the linebackers at the snap, if they crash hard toward the jet motion and bite on the play-action fake, the middle of the field opens up for the deep crossers. Post-snap, identify any user controlled defender sitting in a lurk spot near the crossing routes, since a smart user can jump the scissors concept and undercut the throw. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is dangerous for the offense here since a defender who fights through the rub can trail the receiver into the end zone. If cornerbacks are pressing at the line with inside leverage, expect them to funnel the crossers into help, which slows down the scissors timing and gives the defense a chance to close throwing windows.
Usage Tips
Use the jet motion pre-snap to bait linebackers and safeties into flowing with the sweep action before the ball is snapped, then confirm they bite on the play-action fake.
Look for two high safeties pre-snap since this concept is built to stress Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells with the deep crossing scissors routes clearing out the middle of the field.
If the defense shows man coverage, prioritize the scissors crossers immediately since the natural rub at the top of the route concept forces defenders to fight through traffic.
Hot route the shallow drag into a spot or hitch against zone heavy looks if the underneath defenders are sitting in passing lanes, since the drag is your safety valve against a soft zone.
Pair this play with Jet Sweep and HB Slip Screen earlier in a drive to condition the defense to bite on jet motion, then dial up PA Jet Sweep Scissors or PA Jet Sweep X Out once linebackers start cheating toward the sweep side.
