Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
PA X Dig is a play-action shot play out of the I Form Y Off set that sells the run fake before attacking the middle of the field with a deep dig. Off the play-action, the X receiver runs a dig route sitting over the middle at intermediate depth, the flanker on the opposite side runs a deep vertical to stretch the defense, and the third receiver (Y off the line) works an outlet route to the flat as a checkdown against pressure. The blocking scheme keeps extra help in to sell run action and protect against the play-action rollout, making this a strong man beater against aggressive linebackers biting on the run fake, with the primary read progression starting at the dig, then the flat route underneath, and the deep vertical as the home run shot if the safety bites down on the play fake.
Defensive Reads
Watch the middle linebacker depth pre-snap, if he is sitting shallow or crashing hard on run reads post-snap the dig route will have a wide open window. Check the safety alignment before the snap, single high shells (Cover 1 or Cover 3) are most vulnerable since the deep vertical occupies the deep defender and clears space underneath. Key any user-controlled defender sitting in a lurk position near the dig route, a smart user player can jump the route and undercut it for a pick six. Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells with two deep safeties can shut this down since the dig route runs into a natural robber zone if the safety does not bite the play-action. Look for blitz packages sending extra rushers, if the offensive line cannot hold up on the play-action fake, the quarterback will be forced into a quick checkdown to the flat route instead of the intended dig read.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or shifts to bait linebackers into run reads before the snap so the play-action freezes them longer.
Identify single high safety shells before the snap, this play thrives against Cover 1 and Cover 3 because the dig sits in the void vacated by underneath defenders keying run.
Hot route the flat route to a quick out or speed out if you see man coverage with no underneath zone help, giving you a faster release against tight man coverage.
Best called on early downs (1st and 10 or 2nd and short) when defenses are more likely to respect the run action from the I Form personnel.
Pair this with Inside Zone and HB Stretch earlier in a series to condition the defense to bite on the run fake, then hit them with this shot play once linebackers start flowing hard downhill.
