Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Out X Dig is an Empty formation five-receiver concept out of Shotgun Empty Chips Nasty that spreads the defense sideline to sideline with no running back to protect. Both outside receivers run quick outs to the flat, the left slot runs a deep dig across the middle, the right slot runs a vertical seam/corner combo, and the X receiver on the right runs a dig that crosses the field underneath the vertical route. This is a man beater at its core, using the dig and out combo to attack outside linebackers and nickel corners in man coverage while the flat routes clear space for the crossing dig, with the primary read progression starting at the X dig, then working to the right out route in the flat if the middle is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Watch the middle linebacker depth at the snap since a shallow drop signals he is sitting on the dig route and you should work the out instead Identify if the defense is playing two high safeties, because that shell squeezes the vertical seam route and opens throwing lanes underneath for the dig Key on the nickel or slot corner's press alignment, if he presses at the line he is likely in man and vulnerable to the out route breaking away from him Look for a user-controlled defender flashing into the shallow crossing lane, that lurk defender is trying to jump the dig route so hold it and reset to the far flat Recognize Cover 3 sink from the flat defenders, since a hard out route flattens into their zone and gets a quick jump if you throw before the break completes
Usage Tips
Look for single high safety shells pre-snap since the dig route behind the vertical stretch will have room to sit down in the void
Check for man coverage indicators like a nickel corner shading outside on the slot, then hot route the outside outs to sit if the corner sinks under
Use this play on second and medium to second and long when you need a chunk gain over the middle without burning a full down
Pair this call with Dagger from the same set since both attack the middle of the field vertically, forcing the defense to declare zone or man before you know which concept to lean on
If the defense shows heavy blitz pre-snap, get the ball out fast on the near side out route since there is no running back to help in protection
