Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA TE Scissors (20) is a play-action pass out of Singleback Wing Slot 12 personnel that uses the scissors concept, crossing high low routes from the two tight ends that break in opposite directions to split zone defenders and create natural rubs against man coverage. The play-action fake from under center holds linebackers for a beat, opening throwing lanes over the middle and behind the second level. Primary read progression starts with the scissor concept tight end breaking away from the play call side since he typically finds soft spots in Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells first, then works to the crossing tight end underneath, before checking down to the running back on the fake if both are covered.
Defensive Reads
Watch for two deep safeties pre-snap since Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells are the primary targets this concept is built to exploit through the seams. If the middle linebacker bites hard on the play fake, expect him to be late getting to his zone drop, giving the underneath crossing tight end a clean window. Man coverage with tight man technique on the tight ends is vulnerable to the natural rub created by the crossing routes, look for the defender trailing to get picked or lose a step. Cover 3 with a robber or lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field can undercut the crossing route, so check for a linebacker or safety sitting in that throwing lane before committing to the first read. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge or up the middle can collapse the pocket before routes develop, so identify overloaded fronts pre-snap and be ready to check down to the running back on the fake.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or second and medium when defenses expect run action out of 12 personnel, since the play fake sells harder against run heavy fronts.
Identify two high safety shells pre-snap because this play is labeled a Cover 2 and Cover 4 beater, the scissors routes are designed to split the deep safeties and attack the seams they vacate.
If you see man coverage with the corners pressed on the tight ends, hot route one tight end into a quick out or speed cut to create instant separation off the natural rub.
Pair this with HB Dive or Inside Zone Split earlier in a series to bait linebackers into run fits, then dial up PA TE Scissors once the defense starts crashing downhill on early downs.
Use play-action rollout concepts like PA Boot Y Sail or PA Boot TE Leak from the same set to keep defenses guessing between drop back play action and rollout action, making the scissors concept harder to key on.
