Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Roll Lt is a play-action rollout from Singleback Wing Tight that pulls the QB to the left edge with three routes stacked against the boot flow. Both outside receivers run corner routes vertically up the numbers, the inside receiver runs a deep dig/crossing route back across the middle underneath those corners, and the running back releases to the flat opposite the roll for a checkdown outlet. The blocking scheme sells run action to the play side before the QB pulls and rolls left, buying time and simplifying the read with the flow. Primary read progression is the drag/dig crossing route working back to the throwing arm first, then the near corner route on the roll side, with the running back flat route as the final checkdown.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and alignment since two deep safeties signal Cover 2 or Cover 4, which can squeeze the corner routes if the corners sink deep quickly. Watch the flat defender and outside linebacker leverage to the play side, as an aggressive edge defender or spy can disrupt the rollout timing and force an early checkdown. Post-snap, key the underneath linebackers for lurk drops into the crossing route lane, which is the primary counter to the dig read against zone coverage. This play struggles against disciplined Cover 3 with a hard-flowing cornerback to the roll side, since that defender can jump the flat and take away both the checkdown and the near corner route. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the easiest beat here since the running back wheel and the crossing route both create natural separation against trailing defenders.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs or in manageable third and medium situations where defenses expect balanced run/pass and are susceptible to biting on the play-action fake.
Identify single high shells like Cover 3 or Cover 1 pre-snap since the rollout puts stress on the flat defender and the corner routes attack the boundary void left by the rotating safety.
Hot route the running back to a wheel route if you diagnose man coverage on the linebacker, turning the checkdown into an explosive man beater.
Use the crossing route as your first read against zone coverage because it settles in the void created by the rollout pulling defenders toward the sideline.
Pair this play with HB Inside Zone or 26 Duo out of the same Wing Tight look to keep linebackers honest, then hit them with this rollout once they start crashing downhill on run fakes.
