Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Boot Slide is a play-action rollout out of Strong I Slot Flex that pulls the quarterback to the right on a boot fake off the run action. The route concept features a deep vertical shooting up the left sideline, a slide route running from left to right across the middle at intermediate depth that settles into the flat as the quarterback bootlegs toward it, and a short flat/out route to the right that gives the QB an immediate check down as he rolls. This is a play-action man beater designed to hold linebackers with the run fake while the QB has a run-pass option feel on the edge, and the primary read progression starts with the deep vertical shot down the field, works to the crossing slide route as the primary intermediate throw, and finishes with the flat route as the checkdown if the pocket collapses or the crosser is covered.
Defensive Reads
Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they step up hard to fill run gaps on the play action fake, the slide route crossing the middle will be wide open behind them. Identify man coverage by checking if defenders trail receivers immediately off the line, this play is built to beat man coverage with the rollout and natural separation from the crossing route. Zone coverage with a deep half safety over the vertical route can take away the top of the play, forcing the QB to work the shorter routes underneath. Watch for a lurking linebacker or user-controlled defender sitting in the throwing lane of the slide route, since the QB has to throw across his body on the rollout this route is vulnerable to a jumped pass. A hard edge blitz or contain rusher can disrupt the boot action before routes develop, so track the defensive end and outside linebacker alignment pre-snap for blitz tendencies.
Usage Tips
Run this on early downs, first and second and short to medium yardage, when the defense is stacking the box expecting run from Strong I personnel.
Check the safety alignment pre-snap: if you see two high safeties sitting deep, the vertical route is a low percentage shot but the slide route will have room to work against a soft zone underneath.
If the defense shows single high or a heavy blitz look, hot route the flat route to a quick out or speed out to get the ball out fast before the boot fake fully develops.
Roll the QB with the play action and use the rollout to buy time, this play punishes aggressive edge rushers and defenders who bite hard on the run fake.
Pair this with HB Dive or Power O earlier in a series to sell the run look, then hit PA Boot Slide once the defense starts keying on your ground game out of this personnel.
