Playbooks
Breakdown
Dagger X Comeback runs the classic dagger concept on one side with a deep dig sitting behind a clear out route, while the X receiver on the opposite side runs a comeback to attack cornerbacks playing off coverage. The blocking scheme is a standard five man pass protection out of Shotgun 11 personnel, giving the quarterback a clean pocket to work through levels. This is primarily a zone beater against Cover 2 and Cover 3 shells, though the comeback route also punishes man coverage corners who play with outside leverage. The primary read progression starts with the comeback route to the X receiver for a quick, high percentage throw, then works to the deep dig sitting down in the honey hole against zone coverage, with the clear out route occupying the deep defender to open that window.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify single high versus two high safety alignment, single high usually means Cover 3 which sets up the dig route perfectly behind the underneath zone defenders. Watch cornerback depth on the X receiver's side, a corner playing seven or more yards off signals soft coverage and the comeback should be your first read. Post-snap, key the flat defender or hook zone linebacker, if he sinks with the clear out route the window for the dig opens immediately. Beware disguised Cover 4 or Cover 6 shells where the corner sits on the comeback route, quarters coverage can jump this route if the defense diagnoses it pre-snap. Watch for user controlled defenders sitting in the underneath passing lanes or spying the dig route, a lurking user linebacker can undercut the deep in cut if you telegraph the throw.
Usage Tips
Check the X receiver's leverage before the snap, if the corner is playing off with outside shade the comeback route is an easy completion on a quick timing throw.
Identify Cover 2 versus Cover 3 shells by reading the safeties, if you see two deep safeties split wide the dig route will sit in the honey hole between the flat and deep zones for a big gain.
Hot route the underneath crosser to a shallow drag if you are facing man coverage and need a rhythm throw to counter aggressive press corners.
Use this play on second and medium to third and short distances where the comeback route alone can move the chains, then mix in Dagger Z Comeback later in the drive to attack the opposite side once the defense adjusts.
Pair this concept with RPO Read Bubble or RPO Zone Read Bubble earlier in a series to bait linebackers into run fits, making the dagger dig even more open when defenders start cheating downhill.
