Playbooks

PA Stretch

Singleback·Wing Slot·12

Outside Zone Play Action Pass Play Zone Run

Likely unavailable in the playbook builder

This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Diagram coming soon

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback

SetWing Slot

Personnel

121 RB · 2 TE · 2 WR

In 2 playbooks

Fix OffenseOffense Elites OffenseOffense

Breakdown

PA Stretch out of Singleback Wing Slot 12 personnel sells the outside zone run fake before working a play-action pass off the same stretch blocking scheme, pulling flow defenders and linebackers toward the run fake before the quarterback pulls it back to throw. This is a play-action shot play designed to punish teams that key run fits hard against 12 personnel, with the primary read progression starting on the backside vertical or corner route as the number one option, then working down to the intermediate crosser or flat route as underneath zone defenders bite on the run action. It functions as a zone beater against teams that spin their safety down to help in the run fit, since the play-action freezes the second level and opens up throwing lanes behind the stretch flow.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, look at the safety depth: if he is cheating down near the box to support the run, this play is primed to hit over the top. Identify if the cornerbacks are playing aggressive man technique with no help over the top, since that opens the door for a deep shot against the play-action freeze. Post-snap, watch the linebackers' first step, if they crash hard toward the stretch run fake instead of reading play-action, the crosser and flat routes will be wide open underneath. Beware of a user-controlled defender spying the quarterback or sitting in a lurk position in the middle of the field, as this can bait a throw into a jumped route. Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells with disciplined linebackers who stay square to the line of scrimmage will not bite on the run fake and can shut down both levels of this play.

Usage Tips

Call this play on early downs, ideally first or second and short to medium, when the defense has shown aggressive run fits against your 12 personnel looks earlier in the drive.

Before the snap, check if the safety has crept into the box or if the linebackers are sitting shallow, both are strong indicators the run fake will pull them out of position for the play-action shot.

Hot route the underneath crosser to a deeper option against soft zone shells like 2 Man Under or 4 Under 3 Deep so you are not throwing into a sitting linebacker.

Pair PA Stretch with HB Stretch and Mtn HB Zone WK earlier in a drive so the defense keys run fits from the same formation, then punish the overreaction with this play action shot.

Use max protect or a chip from the tight end if you are facing a heavy edge blitz look, since the play needs time to develop for the deep route to clear the safety.