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In 17 playbooks
Breakdown
Double Double lines up from Big Nickel 5-1-5 personnel out of the Penny 3-3-5 shell with five eligible receivers arrayed across the formation. At the snap the two inside receivers cross paths on shallow drag/dig routes underneath while the two outside receivers on the right push vertically downfield in stacked releases. This is a man beater concept, the inside crossing routes create natural rub traffic to shake man defenders while the two vertical releases stress a single deep defender if the coverage bites on the underneath crossers. The primary read progression starts with the crossing combo underneath, working shallow to deep, then climbs to the two vertical routes on the right side of the formation if the crossers are covered.
Defensive Reads
Man coverage with tight press corners is the primary shell this play beats, the crossing routes create natural picks that man defenders struggle to fight through. Two deep safeties sitting soft over the top can shut down the vertical shots on the right side, so respect the crossers as the safer answer in that look. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if the middle linebacker sits shallow expecting a checkdown he can undercut the crossing routes and jump the throw. Identify any lurk defender sitting in the shallow zone between the numbers and the hash, a user controlled defender there can rob the crossing concept and bait a turnover. Blitz packages that send extra rushers off the edge can get home before the crossers develop, so check protection numbers and be ready to throw hot if the defense shows five or six man pressure looks.
Usage Tips
Check pre-snap for man coverage indicators like press corners or a single high safety before snapping this play since the crossing action is designed to shake man defenders. Use the crossing routes as your first read on third and short to medium yardage since the rub concept creates instant separation against man coverage. If you see two deep safeties or a soft zone shell, work the vertical routes on the right side instead of forcing the crossers into zone traffic. Hot route the outside receiver on a quick out if the defense shows blitz off the edge, giving you a quick answer against extra rushers. Pair this play with Cover 4 Palms or Cover 6 Willie from your own playbook after running Double Double a few times, since opponents will start jumping the crossing routes and leave the verticals open on the backside.
