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Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
DBL Ins deploys five receivers out of Empty Trey with two of them running in-breaking routes at different depths, creating a natural high-low read against man and zone alike. The backside two receivers run a deep post/dig combo to stretch the field vertically while the flat receiver runs a shallow drag underneath as a checkdown or man beater against off coverage. With no running back in the backfield to protect, this is a quick-timing pass play designed to get the ball out before pressure arrives, and the primary read progression starts with the shallow in route, works to the deeper in route breaking the same direction, then works backside to the post if both are covered.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing Cover 3 or Cover 4 shells since the deep in routes sit down right in the seams of both. Watch linebacker depth at the snap: shallow linebackers dropping to cover the underneath drag will open passing lanes for the deeper in-cutter. Man coverage with press corners at the line struggles to stay on top of the in-breaking routes, so look for rub or pick opportunities created by route spacing. Blitz-heavy defenses that bring five or more rushers can beat this play before the deep ins develop, so watch for nano blitz indicators like walked-up linebackers or slot corners cheating inside. A user-controlled defender sitting in the middle of the field as a lurk threat can jump the shallow in route, so quarterbacks should look opposite if that defender bites early.
Usage Tips
Use this play on second and medium to third and medium situations where the defense expects a mix of run and pass out of empty formation.
Check the safety alignment before the snap: if both safeties are deep in a two high shell, the ins settle in the soft spots between zone defenders.
If you see man coverage with no deep safety help over the slot, hot route the outside in-cutter to a quick out to beat trail technique.
Pair this play with Four Verticals in your call sheet since both attack similar formations but stress the defense vertically versus horizontally, forcing defenders to respect both.
Watch for user-controlled linebackers dropping into the shallow drag lane and be ready to progress through your reads quickly since Empty Trey offers no blocking help for the quarterback.
