Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
X Dagger out of Shotgun Doubles Offset lines up two receivers to the field side, with the outside receiver running a corner route to clear the deep zone and the inside receiver sitting down on a dig route behind the linebackers to attack the void created by the corner. The backside receiver runs a deep dig as well, giving you a two-level dagger concept if you audible protection to max protect, while the running back checks into a shallow drag underneath as a checkdown and the boundary receiver runs a comeback breaking outside. This is a route combo built as both a Cover 2 beater and Cover 3 beater, and your primary read progression starts with the dig sitting down in the middle void, then works to the corner route if the safety bites underneath, and finally checks down to the drag if both are covered.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap check safety depth and leverage, because a two high shell that stays split invites the corner route while a single high safety cheating to the field side flags Cover 3 and opens the dig. Watch the flat defender or curl to flat zone defender, since a hard sit on the underneath dig is the tell that the coverage is squeezing the middle read. Key the middle linebacker or hook defender depth at the snap, a shallow drop leaves the dig throwing lane open while a deep drop signals a Tampa 2 style shell that can rob the post area. User controlled defenders sitting in the deep middle threaten the dig read late, so if you see a user lurking near the numbers be ready to progress immediately to the corner route. Against man coverage look for the corner route to win off the break versus off man corners, and if the defense shows blitz check the running back into the flat as an immediate answer.
Usage Tips
Presnap identify whether the safeties are showing two high or rotating down to one high, because this concept punishes both Cover 2 and Cover 3 shells differently.
Against Cover 2 look to hit the dig route sitting in the hole between the corner and the flat defender before the safety can drive on it.
Against Cover 3 the corner route is your window shot since it settles behind the corner and in front of the deep third safety.
Use hot routes to release the running back into the flat quickly if you diagnose a heavy blitz look, giving you a built in answer against pressure.
Pair this with Four Verticals or PA Go Dig Post from the same set to keep defenses honest on double moves, then dial up X Dagger once the safety starts creeping toward the line of scrimmage.
