Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA Y Corner is a play-action pass out of Singleback Wing Slot 12 personnel that sells the run fake before releasing a two-man route combo on the boundary alongside a three-level route tree on the backside. The TE runs the corner route breaking outside off the play fake while a receiver underneath works a flat route to hold the underneath defender, and on the backside two receivers stack a deep out and a vertical seam to occupy the far side of the field. The primary read starts with the Y corner route attacking the void behind underneath defenders and in front of the safety, and if that window is closed the QB works backside to the vertical and out combo.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and alignment since a two-high shell with safeties sitting at depth signals zone coverage that can clog the corner route window. Watch the flat defender's initial reaction to the run fake, if he bites hard on the play action the undernutrition flat route will be wide open as a checkdown. Post-snap, key the cornerback's technique on the TE, outside leverage or press man coverage gives the corner route a natural rub advantage against man defenders. Look for user-controlled safeties rotating late to double the corner route, which is the primary defensive answer to this concept in competitive play. Beware disguised blitzes since the play-action fake with a hard count can bait aggressive edge rushers, but if the offensive line loses contain quickly the deep routes will not have time to develop.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like first or second and short to sell the run fake convincingly since the backfield action mirrors your inside zone and HB Dive looks from this set.
Check the flat defender before the snap because if he sits low and wide, the corner route from the TE will have a clean throwing lane behind him.
Motion or shift pre-snap to identify if you are getting man or zone, since the corner route is a strong man beater against inside leverage corners but needs a hole in zone coverage to hit versus cover 3 or cover 4.
Pair this with PA FL Dive or PA Boot TE Leak in your play-calling sequence so the defense has to respect multiple play-action shots off similar formation looks.
Attack cover 2 shells specifically since the corner route sits in the classic seam between the cornerback and safety, and use pump fakes to freeze the safety before delivering the ball.
