Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Speed Dig is a bunch-based pass concept out of Shotgun Bunch Offset that attacks the middle of the field with a quick-breaking dig route. The bunch alignment sends the two outside receivers on deep clearing routes to the far side while the inside bunch receiver runs the namesake speed dig, sitting down or working across the field at intermediate depth, and the backfield running back releases on a wheel route up the seam as a checkdown or man beater against overplayed linebackers. Blocking is a standard five-man pass protection with the back releasing late, and the primary read progression starts with the speed dig sitting in the throwing lane before working to the wheel route out of the backfield if the middle is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense is showing two-high or single-high safety coverage since the dig route is most vulnerable to Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells with underneath zone help sitting in the middle. Key the middle linebacker's depth at the snap, if he sinks quickly into the throwing lane he can jump the dig route and create a pick-six opportunity for a user-controlled defender. Watch for a Cover 3 sky or buzz rotation, this concept exploits seam voids in three-deep shells but a fast-flowing linebacker underneath can close the window. Against man coverage, check the slot cornerback's leverage, if he is playing outside shade the dig will win inside quickly, but tight man press with no help over the top can disrupt the route timing. Beware disguised blitzes off the edge since the five-man protection leaves the quarterback exposed if extra rushers loop around, forcing an early or inaccurate throw on the dig.
Usage Tips
Look for single-high safety shells pre-snap since the speed dig thrives on the void created between the linebackers and safety in Cover 3 and Cover 1 looks.
Use motion or a quick glance at the slot cornerback's depth to confirm man coverage, then trust the dig to win against trail technique.
Hot route the outside bunch receivers into deeper clear-out routes if you are facing zone shells to fully open the throwing window for the dig.
This play works best on second and medium to third and medium since the dig needs a couple seconds to develop but does not require a full seven step drop.
Pair Speed Dig with PA Dig or Curl Flat from the same set to keep defenders guessing between the play-action dig shot and the quicker route combo, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their drops.
