Quote from Chunzliu on July 31, 2025, 3:56 am

Passing effectively in College Football 26 can be a challenge if you're not using the right concepts to exploit defensive coverages. If you've been struggling to consistently move the ball through the air, there's a good chance your play-calling is holding you back CFB 26 Coins. In this guide, we'll break down what is arguably the most overpowered passing play in the game-a setup that can generate one-play touchdowns against nearly every defense, both man and zone.

 

The star of this show is the PA Scissors play out of the Gun Tight Open formation, a setup that's quickly becoming a community favorite for its versatility, simplicity, and explosive potential.

 

Why PA Scissors Is So Overpowered

 

The PA Scissors play stands out because it uses a combination of deep crossing routes, streaks, and play-action mechanics that force defenders to make impossible choices. Regardless of whether you're facing a Cover 2 shell, Cover 3, Cover 4, or aggressive man blitzes, this play has multiple receivers who get open instantly.

 

The design of the play is inspired by the classic PA Shot Seams from older titles like Madden, a play that was removed due to being overpowered. Now, with a few adjustments, PA Scissors has brought that dominance back.

 

Formation and Setup

 

The Gun Tight Open formation places receivers slightly further off the line than the traditional Tight Offset formations, creating better spacing and fewer collisions with defenders.

 

Basic Setup for PA Scissors:

1.Put your X and A receivers on streaks.

2.Optionally motion the RB route into an out route for a quick checkdown.

3.Custom-stem the Y and B receivers (shorten their initial stems) for better separation.

4.Keep the play-action fake intact-it helps hold down linebackers and safeties.

 

Once you're set, the primary read is simple:

Watch which receiver (Y or B) breaks open based on the coverage.

If the streaks (X or A) clear their defenders, take the deep shot over the top.

 

Beating Zone Coverages

 

Cover 2 (Tampa 2)

Against Cover 2, the outside corners drop to the flats while the safeties protect deep halves. This creates a soft spot between the cornerback and safety on the sideline.

 

The B receiver often finds a wide-open lane on the outside.

The play-action fake holds the mid-read defender, keeping the middle open for the X streak or the Y crossing route.

 

Pro Tip: Keep the play-action fake active, as canceling it gives defenders more time to adjust.

 

Cover 3

Cover 3 is a staple defensive call, but PA Scissors splits the deep safety perfectly.

 

Both X and A streaks run up the seams, forcing the single-high safety to choose a side.

As soon as the safety shades left or right, throw to the opposite seam for a massive gain.

For added effectiveness, you can motion a receiver across the field to create additional spacing, pulling the corner and safety away from the main route.

 

Cover 4 Quarters & Palms

Cover 4 is traditionally tough to beat deep, but this play uses route overloads to outnumber the deep defenders.

 

By motioning the slot receiver (Y or B) across the field and putting him on a streak, you create a three-on-two mismatch against the deep safeties.

One of the receivers-usually the outside streak-will break free for a one-play touchdown.

 

Even against Cover 4 Palms, which uses pattern-matching, the timing and spacing of the streaks confuse the defensive assignments, leaving one receiver completely uncovered.

 

Cover 4 Drop

 

Cover 4 Drop plays a conservative zone to limit big plays. However, custom-stemming your Y receiver and motioning him across gives him enough of a cut to beat the corner over the top.

 

Watch for the B receiver running a deep cross-it often slips under the safeties while the streak routes hold them in place.

You can also exploit the gap between the corner and safety with a quick bullet pass.

 

Beating Man Coverages

 

Man coverage, especially Cover 0 blitzes, is where PA Scissors really shines. The tight formations and custom route stems create natural pick routes, making it nearly impossible for defenders to stay in phase.

Cover 0 Blitz

 

Against man blitzes, defenders don't have safety help.

Custom-stem the Y and B receivers-both routes create instant separation, with Y often torching the outside corner.

A quick throw to B over the middle also works if the defense is crowding the line.

 

Cover 1

Cover 1 is just as vulnerable. The crossing routes force defenders to navigate traffic, and with proper timing, Y can be gone off the snap.

Even with lesser receivers, the route design ensures a clean release and quick open window.

 

Cover 2 Man

Cover 2 Man is tougher, as the two safeties can provide help over the top.

 

Block the running back to buy more time in the pocket.

The B receiver crossing the middle often becomes your safest read, though Y can also win if you lead the throw toward the sideline after his cut.Why Gun Tight Open Is the Perfect Formation

 

Gun Tight Open has quietly become one of the best offensive formations in College Football 26. Its spacing is perfect for timing-based passing attacks, and it forces defenses to cover every blade of grass.

 

With PA Scissors, you can attack:

 

Sidelines with deep streaks or corner routes.

Middle seams with crossing patterns.

Short flats with quick checkdowns if pressure comes.

 

Step-by-Step Example Against Popular Defenses

 

Here's how the play works against three of the most common defensive calls:

 

1. Cover 2 Tampa

Streaks on X and A.

Look for B on the sideline-he runs past the cornerback before the safety can get there.

 

2. Cover 3 Sky

Same streak adjustments.

Read the middle safety-if he shades left, throw to A; if right, throw to X.

Y crossing underneath is the backup option.

 

3. Man Blitz

Block RB to counter extra rushers.

Hit Y on the outside as he immediately breaks open.

B crossing the middle can also be a quick strike if the user covers Y.

 

Pro Tips for Maximizing PA Scissors

 

1.Use motion to create confusion. Moving the Y or B receiver across the formation can force mismatches.

2.Hold the play-action fake when possible-this freezes linebackers and opens up intermediate windows.

3.Lab against every coverage. Even though this play is nearly foolproof, understanding how each defense reacts will make you unstoppable.

4.Mix in quick checkdowns to RB on out routes if the defense drops into deep shells.

 

Why Alabama's Playbook Is King

 

This play isn't just strong-it's exclusive. PA Scissors is only available in select playbooks, with Alabama's offensive book being the standout option.

 

If you're looking for a complete scheme, combining Alabama's Gun Tight Open passing attack with a balanced rushing game gives you the ultimate offensive playbook in College Football 26.

 

Final Thoughts

 

If you're tired of being locked down by stubborn defenses, PA Scissors out of Gun Tight Open is your answer. It's simple to execute, works against all coverages, and consistently generates one-play touchdowns when run correctly cheap Buy Coins CUT NCAA 26. Whether you're new to College Football 26 or a veteran looking for an edge, this play can instantly elevate your passing game.