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Quick Reference
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Breakdown
Drive is a classic man and Cover 4 beater run from Shotgun Normal Flex Wing with 11 personnel. The diagram shows the outside receiver running a deep dig that crosses the field over the middle, the inline receiver breaking on a shallow drive route underneath that crosses opposite the dig for a natural rub, the flex TE releasing to the flat, and the backside receiver working a corner route up the sideline. This is a true drive concept, so the primary read progression starts with the shallow crosser to hold underneath defenders, then works up to the deep dig as the main answer against off man and Cover 4, with the flat route as the checkdown against blitz.
Defensive Reads
If the deep safeties are showing two high with corners playing off, expect Cover 4 or Cover 2, which is exactly what this dig concept is designed to split. Watch the underneath linebackers depth at the snap, since a shallow zone drop into the drive route path can bait a bad read from the quarterback. User controlled defenders sitting in a lurk position over the middle of the field are the biggest threat to the dig route, so bait them with your eyes toward the flat first. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the softest matchup, since the shallow route rub can spring the dig runner wide open. Disguised blitzes with a linebacker crashing off the edge will beat this play in the pocket if the offensive line does not sift the pressure quickly enough, so account for the extra rusher pre-snap.
Usage Tips
Look for off man coverage or Cover 4 shells pre-snap since this concept is built to attack the seams those coverages leave underneath the dig route.
Use the shallow drive route to naturally pick off man defenders trailing the dig, then progress immediately to the dig as your first real answer instead of staring it down.
Hot route the flat runner into a flat or angle route if you see a blitz look, since that gives you an immediate outlet against pressure.
Pair this play with Slot Out or Curl Flats in your play sequencing so the defense has to respect quick underneath throws before you hit them with the deep dig.
Best called on second or third and medium to long, since the dig needs time to develop and the drive route needs room to clear traffic.
