Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Sprint HB Flat is a play-action sprint out concept run from Strong I Z Close in 21 personnel. After the run fake, the QB sprints toward the strong side while the flat back releases underneath as an outlet check-down, the backside X runs a deep drag or crosser working underneath the two deep-crossing routes from the Y and Z, and the two vertical/crossing routes stretch the deep field from the weak side to the strong sideline. The primary read starts with the flat route as the shortest and quickest option, then progresses to the deep crossers if the flat is covered and the sprint action buys extra time. This is a play-action man beater that also holds up against zone thanks to the deep crossing routes clearing out underneath defenders.
Defensive Reads
Watch the flat defender at the snap, if a linebacker or corner sits on the flat route the QB will look to the deep crossers immediately. Key the strong safety depth pre-snap, if he is playing tight to the line expecting run he cannot recover to the deep crossing routes in time. Identify Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells, since sprint out action combined with deep crossers can outrun a three deep zone if the underneath defenders bite on the run fake. User the strong side linebacker or nickel defender to jump the flat route since that is the first read and easiest throw for the QB on the sprint out. Watch for blitzes off the edge to the sprint side, since the QB has less time to reset and the flat route becomes a hot forced throw under pressure.
Usage Tips
Use this on early downs (1st or 2nd and short to medium) when the defense is stacking the box expecting run from Strong I personnel.
Check the pre-snap alignment of the strong safety and linebackers, if they are crashing down on run action this play will hit big off the play fake.
If you see man coverage, prioritize the deep crossing routes since the natural rub and separation from the crossers will beat man defenders trailing.
Against zone shells, work the flat route immediately since sprint out action forces zone defenders to widen and the flat man will find soft grass underneath.
Pair this with HB Dive and Counter Weak earlier in a series to sell the run fake, then call PA Sprint HB Flat once the defense bites on run tendencies from this personnel group.
