Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Shot out of Strong I Y Open Flex uses a play-action fake to hold the linebackers before releasing three vertical stresses on the defense. The tight end or fullback runs a short out to the flat, the flanker on the play side runs a deep dig that breaks across the middle of the field, and the backside receiver pushes a straight vertical seam up the sideline. This is a shot play designed to attack man coverage on deep drops and hit the seam or dig against zone defenses that bite on the run fake, with the primary read progressing from the vertical seam to the deep dig and finally to the checkdown flat route.
Defensive Reads
Watch for two deep safeties pre-snap, which signals a zone shell that could shut down the vertical seam but leaves the deep dig vulnerable if the linebackers overcommit to the run fake. Identify single high safety looks as a sign of man coverage or Cover 3, which is where the vertical seam route has the best chance to win against a trailing corner. Post-snap, key on the middle linebacker's drop: if he sits shallow to defend the flat or bites hard on the run fake, the deep dig route will have a clean throwing lane. Look for a user-controlled defender lurking in the shallow middle zone, since that player can jump the dig route if the quarterback stares it down too long. Blitz packages that send extra rushers up the middle can disrupt the play-action fake timing, so recognize A-gap or B-gap pressure pre-snap and be ready to throw the flat route as a quick outlet.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs like first or second and short to mid distance so the play-action fake actually threatens the defense and freezes the linebackers.
Check the safety alignment before the snap: if you see two deep safeties sitting at depth, expect the vertical seam route to draw a lot of attention, so prioritize the deep dig instead.
If the corner playing the seam route shows an aggressive press or man look, take the vertical shot early since the play-action hold gives your quarterback extra time in the pocket.
Pair this play with HB Dive or Inside Zone earlier in a drive so the defense respects the run fake, then call PA Shot to cash in on linebackers stepping up.
Hot route the flat route to a deeper out if you are getting flooded by an underneath zone defender sitting on that route, since it clears space for the dig to work.
