Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 14 playbooks
Breakdown
Choice Shallow Dig runs out of Shotgun Bunch X Nasty with a 3-receiver bunch to the left and an isolated X to the right. The bunch releases a deep corner route from the outside receiver, a dig from the middle bunch receiver that sits behind the shallow, and a shallow cross that works underneath the dig and continues across the formation. The isolated X on the right runs an option/choice route that reads the nearest defender and breaks in or out accordingly, while the backfield man carries a swing/flare to the flat as a checkdown and extra outlet. This is a man beater at its core, using the shallow and dig combo to create natural rub traffic and separation against man coverage, but it also holds value against zone thanks to the choice route sitting down in soft spots. Primary progression starts with the choice route on the option side, works to the shallow cross for a quick access throw against pressure, then climbs to the dig, with the corner route as the field-stretching alert.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check the strength of the bunch alignment since defenses often shift a linebacker or extra defender to that side, opening up space for the isolated choice route on the backside. Watch the deep safety rotation after the snap: if a safety rolls down to help on the corner route, the dig behind the shallow will be uncontested in the middle of the field. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the biggest weakness here since the shallow and dig combo creates natural traffic that beats trailing defenders. Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with linebackers sitting in short zones can clog the shallow and dig, forcing the quarterback to rely on the choice route or checkdown to the flat. User-controlled defenders lurking in the shallow zone underneath the dig route are the primary threat, so if you see a user spy sitting in that window, come off the play early and go to the choice route instead.
Usage Tips
Use pre-snap motion or a hard count to identify if the defense is showing man or zone before committing to your first read on the choice route.
If you see two high safeties with the corners playing off, key the dig route since the deep corner will hold one safety and the shallow clears underneath traffic.
Against man coverage with press corners on the bunch, trust the natural rub created by the shallow and dig crossing paths to spring your receiver open.
This play pairs well with Mtn Mesh Cross or Mesh Spot in the same set since both attack similar shallow zones, letting you keep the defense guessing on crossing routes and mesh concepts.
Best called on second or third and medium since the dig and shallow combo needs a full route tree to develop, so avoid this on third and long against pattern-matching zone.
