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Quick Reference
Not in any team playbook.
Breakdown
PA Lead Draw Shot sells the lead draw run action out of Strong I with a play-action shot concept off the top. The two outside receivers run a deep crossing combo, with one receiver stemming a deep post/dig into the opposite hash while the other clears out on a deep out breaking toward the sideline, and the TE releases from an in-line look on a corner route to the opposite flat. The primary read progression starts with the deep shot receiver crossing the field first, then works to the TE breaking to the corner route if the play fake holds the linebackers and safety for that extra beat.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check the middle of the field safety depth. A single high safety shell is the green light for this shot play since it means fewer defenders can help over the top on the deep crossing route. Watch linebacker depth and alignment before the snap. Stacked or crashing linebackers who are cheating toward the run gaps will get exposed in coverage once the play fake hits. Post-snap, track whether the play side cornerback bites on the run fake or stays disciplined in his deep zone drop, since a disciplined corner can undercut the deep out route. Identify any user-controlled defender sitting in a lurk spot over the middle, because that defender can jump the deep crossing route if the quarterback stares it down too long. This play struggles against two high safety shells like Cover 2 or Cover 4 since the extra deep defender takes away the shot window, and it gets shut down by disciplined linebackers who ignore the run fake and stay in their zone drops.
Usage Tips
Sell the play fake by letting the run animation play out before dropping to pass, since the entire concept depends on linebackers and the middle safety biting on the draw look.
Use this against single high safety looks or aggressive run fits where the defense flows hard toward the line of scrimmage on early downs, since the play fake creates the most horizontal displacement against those shells.
Hot route the underneath crossing receiver into a shallow drag or sit route if you diagnose zone coverage post-snap, since the deep crosser can get picked off by a lurking linebacker in zone drops.
Pair this call with FB Dive and Counter Weak earlier in a drive so the defense keys hard on the run action, then hit this shot play on second or third and short once you have established the ground game.
Best used on second and medium or first and ten situations where defenses are more willing to bring an extra man into the box, giving you a favorable one on one deep shot opportunity.
