Playbooks
PA Fl Dive out of Singleback Wing Flex 12 personnel sells the dive fake to the running back before working into a play-action pass, using the extra tight end alignment to disguise run and pass intentions equally. The flat route paired with a deep route on the play side creates a natural high low read against flat defenders and curl to flat zone droppers, while a deep crosser or dig from the backside gives you a man beater against single high looks. Primary progression starts with the flat defender key: if he sits, hit the flat route quickly, if he widens or bites the fake, come off to the deeper route breaking behind him.
Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they step up hard on the dive fake you have a clean throwing lane to the flat or intermediate route behind them. Identify single high safety shells before the snap, since Cover 3 and Cover 1 leave the deep route vulnerable if the play side cornerback bites on the run action. Key the flat defender in Cover 2 or Cover 4 looks, if he sinks with the tight end release you should progress immediately to the deeper option instead of forcing the underneath throw. Beware of user controlled defenders sitting in the shallow flat or the throwing lane, since aggressive human defenders will often abandon zone assignments to jump the play-action fake and rob the shorter route. Recognize disguised blitz packages with linebackers walked up pre-snap, since a well timed blitz can beat the play-action protection before your quarterback finishes the fake and gets eyes downfield.
Run this on early downs like first and second and ten to keep defenses honest against the run threat from Wing Flex personnel.
Check the defensive front pre-snap for stacked box looks, since heavy run support increases the chance linebackers bite on the dive fake and open up the play-action window.
Hot route the backside receiver into a deeper comeback or post if you see two high safeties rotating late, giving you a answer against zone shells without needing to change the play call.
Pair this with 0 1 Trap in your play calling sequence so the defense sees the same backfield action on both run and pass, forcing linebackers to hesitate on run fits.
Use Slot Fade Shot after two or three successful play-action completions off this concept to punish defenses that start jumping the flat route or crashing down on the fake.