Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Jet Cross out of Wildcat Trips Over is a play-action shot play built off jet motion across the backfield to hold the second level. Off the fake, the deep crosser (red route) works from the trips side all the way across the field, while the yellow route from the opposite X breaks outside then turns into a deep crossing route working back underneath, and the wildcat back releases on a shallow flat/drag route underneath as a checkdown. The primary read progression starts with the deep crosser working across the field, then works down to the underside crossing route as the secondary window, before checking down to the flat route out of the backfield if both are covered.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense shifts a linebacker or defensive back over the jet motion, which signals man coverage principles. Watch the deep safeties before the snap, a single high safety indicates Cover 3 or Cover 1, both of which are vulnerable to the deep crosser sitting behind the linebacker level. Post-snap, key on the middle linebacker's reaction to the play-action fake, if he bites hard on the run action the crossers will have a wide throwing lane. User a lurking linebacker or safety in the shallow crossing route's window to jump the underneath route and bait a bad read. Cover 4 or Cover 2 shells with disciplined linebackers who sit in their zone drops will clog both crossing routes and force the checkdown to the flat, so blitz packages that get pressure without over pursuing the run fake shut this play down.
Usage Tips
Use the jet motion pre-snap to bait linebackers into flowing with the sweep action and freeze the second level before the play-action fake sells.
Look for single high shells like Cover 3 or Cover 1 before the snap, since the deep crosser has room to work behind linebackers who bite on the run fake.
If you see two deep safeties sitting still or a Cover 4 shell, be ready to check down quickly to the flat route since the crossers will have less room underneath the corners.
Pair this call with Jet Sweep or PA Jet Sweep earlier in a drive so the defense respects the jet action, then hit them with PA Jet Cross once linebackers start crashing down on motion.
Best used on early downs or manageable third downs where you can afford a slower developing shot play, since the play-action fake and crossing routes take time to develop.
