Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA Slide is a play-action deep shot concept out of Split Backs Slot with 21 personnel on the field. The play fakes a handoff before releasing three vertical stems: the outside receiver runs a go route up the sideline, the slot receiver breaks into a deep out from a corner-like stem, and the inline TE releases into a similar corner breaking route toward the sideline. The FB stays in to chip and slide protect while the RB releases on a checkdown flat route to the boundary, giving the QB a built-in outlet if the deep routes are covered. This is a play-action man beater designed to attack single-high shells, with the primary read starting on the outside go route, progressing to the TE corner break, then working down to the RB flat route as the checkdown.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing single-high or two-high safety alignment, since this determines whether the go route or the corner routes will be open. Watch cornerback depth: press corners are vulnerable to the go route beating them over the top, while off corners can squeeze the sideline throw on the go. Post-snap, key the flat defender or curl-flat defender since that user-controlled defender determines whether the RB checkdown or the corner breaking routes stay open underneath. Look for a lurking linebacker or user safety sitting on the TE corner route, since aggressive user play there can bait the QB into an interception if thrown late. This play struggles against Cover 2 shells with two deep safeties capping both outside verticals, and it is vulnerable to overload blitzes that beat the slide protection before the routes fully develop.
Usage Tips
Use PA Slide on early downs like first or second and medium to long when defenses expect run out of Split Backs personnel, since the play fake plays off run tendencies. Check the safety alignment pre-snap: if you see a single-high safety or Cover 3, take a shot on the outside go route since the corner will likely be playing off in a deep third. Against two-high shells, look to the TE corner route breaking away from the safety, since that route settles into the void between the flat defender and the deep half defender. If the defense shows blitz with the FB unable to release, hot route the FB into a quick flat or check the ball down immediately to the RB to prevent a sack. Pair this play in your call sheet with FB Dive HB Motion or HB Inside earlier in the series to sell run first, then dial up PA Slide once the defense starts crashing linebackers on run fits.
