Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Boot Slide is a play-action rollout concept out of Singleback Wing Tight that pulls the QB toward the boundary while the offensive line and TE sell run action. The diagram shows a deep crosser breaking all the way across the field from the backside, a slide route working underneath from the strong side flat toward the sideline at the same depth as the QB, and a shallow drag crossing under both of those routes toward the far sideline. The primary read progression is the slide route first since it mirrors the QB rollout for a quick easy completion, then the underneath drag if the slide is taken away, with the deep crosser as the home run shot if the boot fully clears out the backside.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check for two deep safeties versus one high, since Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells give the slide and drag more room to sit down against zone drops. Watch cornerback depth on the play side, if they are pressed and aggressive expect man coverage which favors the deep crosser working away from the rollout. Post-snap, key the flow of the linebackers, if they bite hard on the play fake the drag and crosser will have wide throwing lanes for the QB on the move. Beware of a user lurking underneath the drag route, especially in Cover 3 sink or Cover 1 robber looks, since that defender can jump the crossing route if the QB stares it down. Edge pressure and contain rushers are the biggest threat since a disciplined defensive end can force the QB back inside before the boot fully develops, so watch for delayed edge rushers on obvious play-action downs.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or second and medium when you want to keep the defense honest with play-action without needing a explosive play immediately.
Roll out with the QB using the right stick or let the animation carry you, then work the slide route first since it releases into the flat at the same pace as your rollout.
If the defense shows zone shell pre-snap with off corners, expect the drag and deep crosser to sit in soft spots against Cover 3 or Cover 4 drops.
Pair this with PA Boot Flood or PA Roll Lt earlier in a series so linebackers start biting on the run fake, then hit this concept for the crosser once they overplay the flow.
Hot route the deep crosser into a deep in against Cover 2 if the safety is sitting too flat, since the natural break can get undercut by a rotating safety.
