Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Slide is a play-action pass out of Singleback Y Off Trio that shows run action to the backfield before the QB works a three-level stretch to one side. The two outside receivers on the strong side run vertical routes up the seam and sideline, the inline TE releases into a corner-breaking route from the slot, and the backside X runs a shallow drag underneath while the fullback or extra blocker slides across to protect. This is a play-action shot play designed to attack single-high safety shells and zone defenses that bite on the run fake, with the primary read starting on the vertical seam route, progressing to the corner route, and coming down to the underneath drag as the checkdown against pressure.
Defensive Reads
Pre snap check safety depth and alignment, a single high safety cheating to the strong side signals Cover 3 or Cover 1 which this play is built to exploit Watch the flow of the linebackers after the snap, if they bite hard on the run fake the seam and corner routes will open up behind them Look for a user controlled defender sitting in the deep middle or lurking the seam, that indicates the defense is playing man free or Cover 1 robber and you should work the corner route to the boundary instead Against Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells the corner route becomes the primary answer since it attacks the seam and flat defenders' void If you see blitz indicators like linebackers creeping or safeties rotating down before the snap, get the ball out fast to the drag route since protection may break down against extra rushers
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like first or second and short to sell the run fake against defenses keying on run personnel
Check for single high safety pre-snap since PA Slide is designed to hit the seam route behind a Cover 3 or Cover 1 shell
If the safety rotates down or you see two high safeties post snap, work the drag route underneath immediately instead of forcing the vertical
Pair this with HB Power O earlier in a drive so the defense respects the run action and bites harder on the play fake
Hot route the backside drag into a deeper crossing route against zone heavy opponents to give yourself an extra layer versus Cover 2 or Cover 4
