Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Slide out of Strong I with 21 personnel opens with a play-action fake to sell the run threat, drawing linebackers up before the routes develop. The backside receiver runs a deep comeback breaking back to the sideline while the two underneath receivers run a slide concept, one crossing flat under and the other settling in a shallow drag across the middle. The single receiver to the weak side climbs a deep out or comeback route to attack any zone defender sitting too far off. This is a play-action man and zone beater, with the primary read progressing from the shallow drag underneath first to the flat crosser, then working outside to the comeback if the defense sits down in zone.
Defensive Reads
Watch the linebacker depth pre snap: if they are crashing downhill on run action, expect them to bite on the play fake and open up the underneath crossers. Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, since single high defenses are more vulnerable to the comeback route beating late-breaking corners. Key the flat defender after the snap: if he sinks with the slide route instead of staying home, the shallow drag underneath will be wide open for a user controlled scramble. Look for a delayed blitz off the edge, since the play action fake can freeze blockers and leave the quarterback exposed if the offensive line does not pick up an extra rusher. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the biggest liability against this play, since the comeback route can separate quickly against a trailing corner.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like first and second and ten to keep the play call disguised behind the run heavy Strong I look.
Check the linebacker depth pre snap: if they are stacked close to the line expecting run, this play action slide concept will hold them a beat longer, opening the shallow drag and flat routes.
Hot route the fullback into an extra flat release if you see man coverage with a linebacker matched on him, since he is a favorable mismatch on the slide concept.
Pair this play with FB Dive and HB Iso in your call sheet so the run action looks identical pre snap, forcing the defense to respect the play fake every time.
Against zone shells, work the drag to the comeback route progression, since zone defenders dropping to landmarks will vacate the shallow crossing lanes and give you a clean completion.
