Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA Flood out of Weak I Slot Flex shows a three level flood concept to the closed side paired with a deep dig from the backside X receiver. The play fakes a handoff to sell run action, then the TE releases vertically up the seam, the outside WR runs a deep out toward the sideline, and the FB or HB leaks out to the flat, stacking three routes at three distinct depths on one side of the field. The backside X receiver runs a deep crossing route to punish defenders who flow hard to the flood side, and the primary read progresses low to high: flat option first, then the out breaking route, then the seam sitting behind it.
Defensive Reads
Watch the strong safety pre-snap because if he walks down into the box it signals single high coverage, opening up the deep dig route on the backside for a big gain. Post-snap, key the flat defender first since he determines whether the checkdown or the out route is open, if he sinks with the seam route the flat is wide open. Look for a nickel or slot corner sitting low in a Cover 3 sky shell, this play is designed to stress that exact coverage by putting three defenders in conflict on one side. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is vulnerable to the deep out and seam combo, but disciplined zone drops from linebackers who carry the seam route can take away the intermediate window. Watch for overload blitzes off the flood side edge, since the play action fake can leave the offensive line outnumbered if the defense brings a fifth or sixth rusher immediately.
Usage Tips
Check the safety alignment before the snap because a two high shell tells you the flood side has help over the top, which makes the flat and out routes your quickest answers. Use the play action fake fully to freeze linebackers and open passing lanes for the seam route against Cover 3. If the corner squats hard on the flat route, hot route the out breaker to sit down for a quick throw before the pass rush closes the pocket. This play pairs well with Slot Drag and X Curl FB Flat since both attack the underneath zones quickly and set up defenders to overreact to the flood concept later in the drive. Use PA Flood on early downs like first or second and medium when defenses are more likely to sit in base zone coverage and respect the run fake.
