The Split Backs Normal PA WR Shake is a play that provides one of the best playaction fake handoffs that you will see in Madden 2007. The reason that the playaction provided in this play is so much more effective than others is because when your quarterback gives the fake to the fullback the icon remains on him for an unusually long amount of time. Follow the images below to see exactly what makes this play so effective.
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Hot route both outside receivers to perform streak route (XBOX - Y + receiver's icon + up / PS2 - Triangle + receiver's icon + up).
Figure 1 - In this first image you can see that the Philadelphia Eagles have come out in the PA WR Shake play. The routes that running back Brian Westbrook and tight end L.J. Smith are running are perfect. However, the routes that wide receivers Todd Pinkston and Reggie Brown are running can be enhanced with hot routes.
Figure 2 - We've taken the next step by hot routing both Pinkston and brown to perform streak routes. The reason we want them to run streak routes is not only to give us deep threats downfield, but also to pull the safeties with them to help open up our routes underneath. We are now ready to begin the play.
Figure 3 - Quarterback Donovan McNabb takes the snap and immediately turns to fake the handoff to fullback Josh Parry. Meanwhile, our outside receivers are being bumped at the line of scrimmage.
Figure 4 - McNabb has faked the handoff and already dropped back another 2-3 yards. However, the icon to signal which player has the ball remains on the fullback.
Figure 5 - Our receivers continue to head upfield as McNabb looks for an open target.
Figure 6 - Running back Brian Westbrook and tight end L.J. Smith make their initial breaks towards the sidelines. McNabb knows that Westbrook is going to be wide open.
Figure 7 - McNabb makes the throw to the wide open Westbrook.
Figure 8 - Westbrook hauls in the easy catch for a big gain for our offense.
Final Conclusion
The great thing about playaction plays is that the defense will often run commit down toward the line of scrimmage as soon as they see a run. The playaction provided in the PA WR Shake play makes it near impossible for an opponent to think that you may be passing because the fake to the fullback is sold so well to the defense. Another great aspect of this play is that the playaction develops so quickly after the snap that there is little or no risk of being sacked. This is one playaction play that deserves a look, so head into practice mode now.
