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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
PA Go Dig Post is a play-action shot play out of Shotgun Doubles Offset that attacks all three levels of the defense with a go route, a dig, and a post. The outside receiver on the left runs a vertical go to stretch the deep coverage, the inside slot receiver breaks off a dig route across the middle at intermediate depth, and the tight end or receiver on the right releases up the seam before breaking into a post to occupy the safety. The line executes a play-action fake to sell run action and buy time for the routes to develop downfield. Primary progression starts with the post as the initial shot read, then works to the dig as the intermediate breaks open, with the go route serving as a window-clearing decoy against single-high shells.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify whether the defense shows single high or two high safety alignment, since single high leaves the post route with a clear throwing lane while two high forces you to prioritize the dig. Watch cornerback depth and technique: press corners are vulnerable to the go route beating them over the top, while off corners can sit and jump the dig if the quarterback stares it down too long. Post-snap, key the play side linebacker's reaction to the run fake, if he bites hard and flows toward the line of scrimmage the dig route will have a clean window behind him. User players should look to lurk in the middle third to jump the dig route, since that is the route most quarterbacks will target as the safety valve throw. This play struggles against zone blitzes that get quick pressure before the shot routes develop, and it can be shut down by defenses that sit a deep safety in the middle of the field to take away both the post and the dig simultaneously.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs like first or second and medium when defenses are more likely to bite on the run fake and play action freezes linebackers. Check the safety alignment pre-snap: if you see a single high safety, the post has a strong chance to split the coverage while the go route pulls the corner vertical. Against two high shells, look to the dig as your primary since the underneath defenders will be occupied by the play fake and the middle of the field opens up. Use hot routes to convert the go route into a comeback if you are facing aggressive corners playing off coverage who bail deep at the snap. Pair this shot play with Double Slants or Drag Under earlier in a series to set up the play-action fake, since defenses that bite on quick game concepts will be more susceptible to the run fake here. Protect the quarterback by keeping the running back in to chip or block if you sense pressure, since the deep routes take time to develop.
