Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Cross Switch (M20) is a play-action pass out of Singleback Wing Flex Close with 12 personnel that sells run action before working a crossing route concept. Off the play fake, one receiver runs a deep dig style route that pushes vertically before breaking flat across the field near the top of the route stem, while a second receiver runs a switch release that crosses underneath before working outside to the sag, and a third route bends outside from the backfield area to a shallow out. This is primarily a man beater built to create natural rub traffic with the crossing routes, and the primary read progression starts with the deep crosser working opposite the play action flow, then works down to the underneath crosser breaking outside, and finishes with the check down route to the flat.
Defensive Reads
Watch for user controlled linebackers sitting in the middle of the field, since a lurking mike or rat defender can jump the deep crosser if he reads the quarterback's eyes early. Identify man coverage by checking if defenders are aligned tight on the crossers before the snap, since the natural rub created by the crossing routes should spring one receiver open against trailing man defenders. Against zone coverage, look for the flat route defender and the crosser occupying the same underneath zone, since a well timed zone defense can squeeze both routes and take away easy completions. Key on safety depth before the snap, a single high safety who bites on the run fake leaves the deep crosser wide open, while two deep safeties holding their shell force the quarterback to check down quicker. Watch blitz timing off the edge, since play action passes are vulnerable to fast interior pressure that beats the run fake before routes fully develop, especially against overload blitzes.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs in run heavy personnel to keep linebackers honest and get them flowing with the play fake before the crossers develop.
Pre-snap, look for single high safety shells since the play action hold and crossing routes create natural picks against man coverage defenders trying to trail across the field.
If you see two deep safeties or a clear Cover 2 shell, be ready to hot route the deep crosser into a shorter option since the window over the top will be tighter.
Pair this play with Inside Zone Split or HB Zone Wk earlier in a drive so the linebackers respect the run fake and bite harder on the play action, opening up the crossing routes.
Sequence this with PA Cross Country or PA Shot Post later in a series since both plays share similar backfield action but attack different levels, keeping defenders guessing on run versus pass.
