Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 12 playbooks
Breakdown
Out X Dig is a five wide route concept out of Empty Chips Nasty that stresses both the flat to deep out and the middle of the field with a dig. On the diagram, both outside receivers run flat routes toward the sideline while the two inside receivers on the right run a dig and vertical clear out combo, and the outside receiver on the left runs a deep out. This is a man beater built to isolate leverage on the outside out routes while the dig sits down in the void behind underneath zone defenders, giving you a true man and zone beater in one concept. The primary read progression starts with the X receiver's dig over the middle, then works to the outside out routes if the linebackers sink deep enough to take away the dig.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap identify if the defense shows two high safeties or rotates to single high, since single high opens the dig lane for a bigger gain. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they sink hard to take away the dig you should reset to the outside out routes for the underneath completion. Beware Cover 3 zone drops with a rangy middle linebacker who can sit in the dig window and undercut the throw, that lurk threat is the biggest risk on this concept. Against man coverage, look for natural picks created by the crossing routes near the middle of the field to spring the dig open against tight man defenders. Blitz heavy defenses with man coverage behind them are vulnerable since the quick developing flat routes give an immediate answer before the pass rush closes.
Usage Tips
Check pre-snap for single high versus two high safety shells since the dig will have more room to work against single high looks with the safety rotating late.
Use the flat routes as hot route outlets against blitz looks since empty formations remove the running back as a check valve, so those flat routes become your pressure release.
Attack Cover 3 by hitting the dig in the seam before the flat defender can widen and the deep third safety can close, this window closes fast so anticipate the throw.
Pair this play with Dagger or X Cross in the same set to keep the defense guessing between vertical shots and intermediate crossers off similar empty alignment.
Best called on second or third down medium situations where the dig's sit read against zone and natural rub against man both create explosive gain windows.
Other Plays in Empty Chips Nasty
DaggerDagger, Pass Play, Cover 2 Beater +1
Dagger Deep CurlCurl, Dagger, Pass Play +2
Deep Post OutOut, Post, Pass Play
Dig StickDig, Stick, Stick Concept +1
Double 7 StopPass Play, Hitch, Out +4
Double SwirlPass Play, Quick Pass, Out +4
Post CrossPost, Pass Play, Crosser- QB Zone
Slot SailSail, Pass Play, Cover 2 Beater +1
X CrossCrosser, Pass Play- X Whip In