Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Deep Cross runs off a play-action fake from Singleback Tight Y Off, holding linebackers with the run fake before the true route concept develops. The backside receiver runs a deep crossing route (red) that stretches all the way across the field, while the slot man on that side breaks vertically up the seam then bends outside (yellow), creating a natural clear-out for the crosser. On the other side, the outside receiver runs a deep out toward the sideline (blue, top) while the inside receiver releases to the flat (blue, bottom), giving you a high low read to the boundary if the deep cross gets taken away. This is a play-action man beater that also holds up against zone thanks to the deep cross settling into open grass behind linebackers, and the primary read progression starts with the deep crosser before working to the deep out and flat combo on the backside.
Defensive Reads
Watch the middle linebacker and weakside linebacker at the snap, if they step up hard on the run fake instead of sinking with the deep crosser you have a wide throwing lane. Identify single high safety alignment before the snap, this tells you the deep cross has a clean runway since there is no second deep defender to help over the top. Key the flat defender on the backside, if he widens too quickly with the flat route he opens a throwing lane for the deep out sitting behind him. Look for a user controlled defender sitting in a lurk spot over the middle of the field, this is the biggest threat to the deep cross and can bait a bad throw if the quarterback does not see him. Two high safety shells with disciplined linebackers who sink into hook zones will shut this down, so avoid this call against defenses that consistently drop into deep half coverage without biting on play-action.
Usage Tips
Sell the play-action fake by letting the run animation play out before your first read, this is what freezes linebackers and opens the window for the deep cross. Check pre-snap for single high safety looks since the deep crosser will have room to run if the safety bites on run action or cheats to the flood side. Against two high shells, work your eyes to the deep out and flat combo since the crosser has to fight through more traffic underneath. Hot route the flat runner into a quick option or spot route if you are facing a hard blitz look, this gives you a checkdown against pressure without abandoning the play design. Pair this with HB Dive or Inside Zone Split earlier in a series so the defense respects the run fake, then dial up PA Deep Cross once linebackers start creeping up on run downs. Best used on second and medium or third and long when you need a big chunk play and defenders are more likely to bite on the run action.
