Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Mesh Dig out of Pistol Trips Left Open sends the two inside trips receivers on crossing mesh routes underneath while the backside X runs a deep corner route to clear space. The single receiver on the strong side runs a dig that settles over the middle behind the mesh, and the HB releases out of the backfield on a wheel route from the backfield after chip blocking. This is a classic man beater built to create natural rubs and picks at the mesh point, with the dig sitting behind it as the answer versus zone drops. Primary progression starts with the mesh crossers to see if a defender gets hung up, then works to the dig sitting down in the middle void, with the corner route and HB wheel as home run shots versus busted man coverage.
Defensive Reads
Man coverage with no safety help over the middle is the ideal shell to attack, since the mesh crossers will create natural separation through traffic. Watch for a robber or lurk defender sitting in the shallow middle zone, as this can jump both the mesh routes and the dig if the quarterback stares down the crossers. Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells with two deep safeties can bracket the corner route and dig, so be ready to check down to the mesh crossers or HB wheel instead of forcing it deep. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge are dangerous here since mesh takes time to develop, so identify blitz alignment pre-snap and be ready to get the ball out on the mesh quickly. If linebackers show man coverage responsibility on the HB, expect them to trail into the wheel route, which opens a window for the dig or mesh crossers underneath.
Usage Tips
Check pre-snap for man coverage indicators like tight press alignment or a single high safety, since the mesh concept thrives when defenders have to fight through traffic in man.
Hot route the HB wheel to a flat route or check release in max protect situations if you are getting pressure up the middle, since the mesh takes time to develop.
Use this play on second and medium to third and long distances when defenses are more likely to play man coverage or zone blitz looks that mesh naturally beats.
Pair Mesh Dig with Y Stick or Stick from this set to keep defenses honest on quick game, then hit them with the slower developing mesh once they start jumping short routes.
Sequence this behind HB Dive or Close HB Dive to draw linebackers up into run fits, opening the underneath mesh crossers against lighter box looks.
