Playbooks

Dig Return

Shotgun·Bunch Open TE·11

Dig Motion Pass Play

Play diagram for Dig Return from Shotgun Bunch Open TE in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

SetBunch Open TE

Personnel

111 RB · 1 TE · 3 WR

In 7 playbooks

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Breakdown

Dig Return is a bunch based dig concept out of Shotgun Bunch Open TE that isolates a backside dig against the middle of the field while the bunch side runs a return route paired with two out breaking releases. The bunch receivers push vertically before one snaps back inside on the return, creating natural rub action against man coverage while the two shallow outs stretch the sideline against zone drops. The backside receiver runs the deep dig across the field as the primary read, with the return route working as the secondary answer versus man coverage and the shallow outs serving as underneath zone beaters.

Defensive Reads

Watch for two high safeties presnap, this shell invites the dig throw since the middle of the field is more likely to be open behind the linebackers. Key the flow of the linebackers after the snap, if they widen with the shallow outs the dig window across the middle opens up quickly. Identify man coverage by checking if a defender trails the bunch receivers through their release, since the rub from the return route creates natural separation against tight man technique. Look out for a robber or lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field, this is the primary counter that jumps the dig route and turns it into a turnover opportunity. Recognize blitz packages presnap, if the defense brings extra rushers and leaves man coverage on the outside, get the ball out quickly to the return route or shallow out before the dig has time to develop.

Usage Tips

Take a presnap look at the safety alignment before the snap, if you see two high safeties the dig has room to sit down in the void behind the linebackers. Motion or shift the bunch to confirm man versus zone, if the defense rotates or a defender follows across the formation you are likely getting man coverage and should prioritize the return route for the natural rub. Use this play on second and long or third and medium situations where the defense is likely to sit in zone shells, since the dig has time to develop and the outs give you a quick outlet if the pocket collapses. Pair this call with Z Spot or Flood from the same set to keep the defense guessing between deep dig crossers and quick spot concepts, forcing linebackers to hesitate on their zone drops. If you see man coverage with no safety help over the top, hot route the outs into shallow crosses to manufacture more separation off the bunch rub.