Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mtn PA Z Slide is a play-action pass out of Singleback Wing Slot 12 personnel that uses run action to hold the linebackers before attacking the flat and vertical seam. Off the fake, one receiver runs a shallow drag across the formation into the flat while the slide route breaks flat behind the line, and the outside receiver releases vertical off the play fake before bending into a deep out breaking sideline route. This is primarily a play-action man beater that stresses flat defenders and safeties with a high low read: the primary progression starts with the shallow drag underneath, then works to the flat slide route, and finally to the deep breaking route if the safety bites on the run fake.
Defensive Reads
Read the safety depth before the snap: if he is sitting at 8 to 10 yards he is reading run fake, giving the deep breaking route a favorable window. Watch the flat defender or slot corner immediately after the snap since he has to choose between the slide route and the drag, creating a natural conflict in zone coverage. Identify man coverage by checking if a linebacker follows the drag route across the formation, which signals you can rely on the underneath crosser for easy yardage. Look for a nano blitz or edge pressure package pre-snap since the play fake can be exploited if the offensive line is asked to both sell run blocking and pick up extra rushers. Cover 3 with a hard flat defender crashing down on the run fake is the shell that gives up the most explosive gains on the deep breaking route.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs when you have already established the run game so the play fake holds linebackers and safeties.
Check pre-snap for single high shells since the deep breaking route will have room to work against Cover 3 or Cover 1.
If the defense shows Cover 2 or two deep safeties, prioritize the shallow drag and slide route since the flat should be softer underneath.
Hot route the drag runner into a quick out if you see man coverage with no underneath help to create instant separation.
Pair this with Mtn HB Zone Wk or Mtn Wide Zone Wk earlier in a drive to sell the run action before dialing this up on second or third and short.
