Playbooks

PA Cross

Singleback·Wing Close·12

Play Action Crosser Pass Play

Play diagram for PA Cross from Singleback Wing Close in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback

SetWing Close

Personnel

121 RB · 2 TE · 2 WR

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Breakdown

PA Cross out of Singleback Wing Close (12 personnel) sells the play-action fake before attacking the middle of the field with a deep crossing route. The backside X runs a deep post breaking away from the fake, while the TE from the wing runs a long developing crosser from the opposite side that travels all the way across the formation over the shallow flat route, which is run by the other TE releasing from the line and settling underneath. The HB stays in to help on the play-action protection with a check release into the flat area behind the line. Primary read progression starts with the deep post shot off the play fake, works down to the crosser sitting down or continuing across the field, and checks off to the underneath flat route as the safety valve.

Defensive Reads

This beats man coverage well because the deep crosser creates natural rub and separation against man defenders trailing across the field, and it beats Cover 3 if the underneath flat defender bites on the play fake. Watch the strong safety pre-snap, if he cheats down into the box to defend the run fake, the deep post behind him becomes an explosive shot play. Post-snap, key the middle linebacker and any user-controlled defender dropping into a lurk position over the crosser, since that defender can jump the route if the QB stares it down too long. Cover 2 with a deep half safety sitting on the post is the toughest matchup for this concept, so be ready to reset to the crosser or flat route quickly. Blitz-heavy defenses that send extra rushers off the edge can be problematic since the HB stays in to help protect, leaving the flat route uncovered but the QB under quick pressure, so a fast decision is required.

Usage Tips

Use this on early downs (1st or 2nd and short to medium) when you have already established the run game with HB Dive or Duo out of this same set, since the play fake needs run tendency to hold linebackers. Read the deep safety pre-snap, if he is shaded to the post side, work the crosser instead since the post window will be tight. Hot route the underneath flat runner into a quick out if you see zone defenders sitting on crossers, this gives you a fast dump off against Cover 3 buzz drops. Pair this play with PA Y-Drag Wheel or PA TE Flood in your play-calling sequence to keep the defense guessing on which route is the deep shot versus the underneath outlet. Take the shot in the post window early in the route if your QB has a strong arm rating, since the crosser and flat routes take longer to develop and are better for third read situations.