Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA WR In out of Strong I Y Open Flex uses a play-action fake to sell the run before releasing three receivers into the pattern. The backside X runs a deep corner route to stretch the safety vertically while the yellow receiver from the slot area breaks in on a deep in route, crossing the field underneath that corner. A yellow underneath receiver runs a shallow drag across the formation and the blue tight end releases into the flat off the play-action fake, giving the quarterback a layered read from deep to short. The primary read progression starts with the deep in route, works to the flat route for a quick underneath option, and comes back to the shallow drag if both are covered, making this a strong man and zone beater depending on which window opens after the fake.
Defensive Reads
Watch for safeties cheating up into the box pre-snap, which signals single high or run support and opens the deep in route behind vacated intermediate zones. If the cornerback over the X shows outside leverage pre-snap, expect him to jump the corner route, which should push your first read to the deep in route. Post-snap, key the flowing linebackers: if they bite hard on the play-action fake, the shallow drag and flat route will be wide open underneath. Watch for a user-controlled defender sitting in a shallow zone or lurking near the drag route, since that lurk threat can jump the underneath crosser if the quarterback stares it down too long. Cover 3 with a hard-charging edge blitzer is the biggest threat to this play, since it collapses the pocket before the deep in route develops, so recognize overload blitz fronts pre-snap and get ready to hit the flat route early.
Usage Tips
Sell the play-action fake by holding the ball on the run fake as long as possible before turning to read the deep in route, since a hesitant fake gets blown up by aggressive linebackers.
Check the safety alignment pre-snap: if you see two deep safeties, the corner route to the X will hold the far safety and open a bigger window for the deep in route behind it.
Against man coverage, prioritize the deep in route since the in cut creates natural separation against trailing corners, especially from a bunch or flexed alignment.
Use the flat route from the tight end as your answer versus blitz looks, since it releases quickly off the play-action fake and gives you a safety valve before the pocket collapses.
Pair this play with HB Dive or Inside Zone earlier in a series to get linebackers flowing downhill, then dial up PA WR In to punish overaggressive run fits with the deep in and flat combo.
