Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Boot Comeback runs a play-action bootleg off Singleback Doubles 11 personnel, pulling the QB to the right edge behind the run fake. The backside X and slot receiver push vertical up the numbers as clear-out routes while the near slot runs a shallow drag underneath, and the outside receiver on the boot side snaps down into a comeback route right at the sideline as the QB rolls out to that same side. Read the comeback first off the bootleg action since it is the primary throw, then work back to the shallow drag if the corner sits on the comeback, using the two vertical clear-outs to hold safeties deep.
Defensive Reads
Identify single-high safety alignment pre-snap since Cover 1 and Cover 3 leave the flat and comeback area vulnerable once the safety bites on the run fake or vertical clear-outs. Watch the flat or curl defender on the boot side after the snap, since a defender sitting on the comeback route signals zone coverage and tells you to work the underneath drag instead. Key the backside corner and safety leverage against the two vertical routes, since aggressive jumps on those routes open the comeback window but a patient safety can rob the throw. Look for edge pressure or contain blitzers crashing the boot side, since a nano blitz off the edge can collapse the pocket before the QB fully rolls out and forces an early, inaccurate throw. Versus man coverage, watch for the corner on the comeback route staying in phase, since a corner who does not respect the vertical stem can undercut the break for a pick six opportunity.
Usage Tips
Call this on second or third and short to medium since the comeback route needs the corner to bite on the play-action or press outside leverage to create separation.
Check pre-snap for single-high shells like Cover 3 or Cover 1, since the two vertical clear-out routes on the backside will pull the free safety away from the boot side flat and comeback window.
If the defense shows Cover 2 or Cover 4 with the corner sitting deep on the comeback, hot route the shallow drag into a quicker option or check down to it immediately since the underdrag becomes your man beater versus off coverage.
Pair this with PA Boot as a base concept and PA Ctr Waggle to keep defenses guessing on bootleg direction, then mix in Curl Flats or Z Under from the same formation to disguise your play-action tendencies pre-snap.
Roll the QB fully to the boot side before releasing the throw to sell the run fake and manipulate the flat defender, since a lazy rollout invites contain blitzers to close the throwing window.
