Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Cross out of Strong I Z Close (21 personnel) opens with a play-action fake to sell the run fake and hold the linebackers before the QB works through a three-level route concept. The backside receiver runs a deep corner route up the sideline, the TE runs a deep crossing route from the strongside that breaks all the way across the field toward the void vacated by the run fake, and the flanker runs a shallow drag underneath from the opposite side while the HB releases into a check release flat route out of the backfield. This is a play-action man beater that stresses defenders who bite on the run fake, with the primary read progression starting on the deep crosser working across the middle, then coming down to the shallow drag, and using the HB flat route as the checkdown.
Defensive Reads
Watch for defenders sprinting downhill on the play fake, since that confirms man coverage or an aggressive run blitz that leaves the deep crosser wide open. If you see two safeties holding depth pre-snap, expect a zone shell that can rob the crossing route, so be ready to sink a defender into that throwing lane. Spy the middle linebacker depth, if he is shallow and reads run action he will not get enough width to wall off the deep crosser, so a user should slide over to jump that route. Man coverage on the HB out of the backfield is a green light for an easy checkdown, so play discipline and stay attached low if defending in man. Zone blitzes with a lurking linebacker in the shallow drag area shut this down fast, so if you diagnose a blitz look pre-snap consider getting the ball out quick to the flat route instead of holding for the crosser.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs like first and second and short when the defense expects run based on personnel and formation, since the play action fake plays best against aggressive run fits.
Check the safety alignment before the snap, if you see two high safeties sitting deep the corner route may be capped, so lean on the crosser and drag combo underneath.
If the defense shows single high safety or a heavy box, the play action fake has a better chance to freeze linebackers, opening up the deep crosser for a big gain.
Hot route the HB flat route to a delayed wheel if you see man coverage on the running back, since linebackers often struggle to stay on top of that route in space.
Pair this play with HB Dive or Counter Weak earlier in a series to set up run tendencies, then call PA Cross to punish defenders keying the fake, and mix in PA Sail from the same set to attack different coverage shells with similar action.
