Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Deep Threats out of Weak I Slot opens with a play-action fake to hold the linebackers and safeties before the routes develop downfield. The X receiver runs a deep go route up the boundary, the slot receiver breaks on a corner route from the middle of the field, and the third receiver clears out underneath on a deep out to the opposite sideline, with the backfield selling run action to freeze run fits. This is a play-action shot play built to attack single-high and man coverage shells, with the primary read progression starting at the corner route breaking to the vertical seam, then working to the deep out if the safety jumps the middle of the field.
Defensive Reads
Watch for a single-high safety pre-snap, since that alignment tells you the defense is likely in man coverage and vulnerable to the deep go and corner combo on the perimeter. If the defense shows two safeties deep, expect a zone shell like Cover 2 or Cover 4, which means the deep out and corner route will have to fit into soft spots between defenders rather than beating man leverage. Key on linebacker depth after the play-action fake, if linebackers bite hard on the run fake, the deep middle should open up for the corner route breaking across the field. Watch for a user-controlled defender lurking in the intermediate middle zone, since that defender can jump the corner route if the quarterback stares it down too long. Against blitz-heavy fronts, identify if the protection has enough numbers to hold up, since the deep routes need extra time to develop and a fast pressure package can force an early, inaccurate throw before routes clear.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs like first or second and short to mid distance when defenses expect run action off the Weak I personnel look and are more likely to bite on the play-action fake.
Check the safety alignment before the snap, single-high safeties are a green light to attack the corner route and go route since it stresses one deep defender across the whole field.
If you see two safeties deep or a clear zone shell, hot route the corner route into a deep dig or have the deep out receiver sit down as a checkdown against soft zone drops.
Pair this play with Slants or PA Slot In earlier in a drive to get the defense biting on quick game and underneath action, then hit them with this shot play once they start creeping linebackers up.
Take a play fake read and commit to your drop, then climb the pocket if the initial rush lanes are clean, since the deep routes take time to develop and you need to protect the play-action fake long enough for receivers to separate.
