Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Switch Dig runs off a play-action fake out of I Form Slot Close, holding the linebackers with the run fake before the quarterback works to a switch release concept on one side and a deep dig crossing the field. The two outside receivers cross paths at the top of their stems (the switch release) with one working vertical up the numbers while the other bends into a deep dig running across the middle of the field, and a third route sits underneath, working from one side back across the formation as an outlet against zone drops. The blocking scheme is play-action pass protection with the offensive line selling run fake before setting up to protect, and the primary read progression is the dig route breaking across the field, then the switch releases vertical route, then the underneath crosser as the checkdown against a soft zone.
Defensive Reads
Read the linebacker depth immediately after the snap since PA Switch Dig is designed to gain YAC and explosive plays when linebackers step up on the run fake, opening the window for the dig route. Watch for a user-controlled defender sitting in the middle of the field (a lurk player) since the dig route crosses right into that zone and can be baited into an interception if the quarterback does not manipulate the read. Identify safety rotation pre-snap: if both safeties are deep, the defense is likely playing zone and will look to sink under the dig, so the switch release vertical becomes the higher value throw. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is vulnerable to the switch release since the crossing stems create rub opportunities that separate receivers from tight man defenders. Disguised blitzes with delayed linebacker drops can undercut the underneath crosser, so watch for extra rushers stepping up at the snap and be ready to zone blitz through the play-action pocket before the routes fully develop.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a shift to identify whether the defense is in man or zone before the snap, since the switch release at the top of the routes is designed to create natural traffic and confuse man defenders on double moves.
If you see two deep safeties (Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells), prioritize the dig route sitting down in the void between the underneath zone and deep zone defenders.
Against single high safety looks (Cover 1 or Cover 3), trust the switch release to win against man coverage since the crossing routes create a natural pick that slows down man defenders trying to stay on top.
Hot route the underneath crosser into a flat or spot route if you anticipate a hard blitz, giving the quarterback a quicker outlet to beat pressure off the play-action fake.
Pair this play with HB Stretch or HB Blast earlier in a series so the linebackers start cheating up on run downs, then hit them with PA Switch Dig once they bite on the play-action fake for an explosive gain over the middle.
