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Breakdown
PA Lions Shot runs a two man shot concept off play-action fake out of Strong I Close, 21 personnel. The play fakes the run to hold the linebackers, then sends the outer receiver on a deep corner/go route while the inner receiver runs a skinny post from the slot, creating a vertical stretch on the deep half of the field. This is a shot play designed to attack man coverage and single high safety looks, with the primary read starting on the post route working to the corner route if the safety jumps the inside break.
Defensive Reads
Diagnose single high safety shells like Cover 1 or Cover 3, this play is designed to overload the deep defender with two vertical threats. Watch cornerback press alignment, if they are playing off coverage the corner route has a tougher window and the post becomes the primary target. User the deep safety and break on the post route as soon as the quarterback's eyes shift inside, this stops the easy completion before it develops. Against Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with two deep safeties, this play loses its advantage since both verticals get bracketed. Look for linebackers biting hard on the run fake, if they stay disciplined and get depth quickly the play-action window shrinks and the pocket collapses faster.
Usage Tips
Check for single high safety alignment pre-snap since this play is built to exploit one deep defender trying to cover two verticals.
Look at cornerback depth at the line, if they are playing tight man with no safety help over the top, hot route the post to a slant for a quicker throw.
Use this shot play on 2nd or 3rd and long, or in shot pass scenarios when you need explosive yardage and the defense is respecting the run fake.
Pair PA Lions Shot with HB Dive or FB Dive earlier in the drive to sell the play-action fake and slow down linebacker run reads.
Sequence this with PA Deep Cross or PA Scissors from the same set so defenses cannot key on one shot concept out of Strong I Close.
