Playbooks
Breakdown
PA Dig is a play-action pass out of Shotgun Spread Dbl Flex with 11 personnel that uses a hard play fake to hold linebackers before attacking the middle of the field. Off the fake, the inside receiver runs a vertical stem that breaks into a dig across the field, while the outside receiver on that side clears out on a corner route to open a passing lane behind him. On the opposite side, the backside receiver runs a deep comeback breaking outside toward the sideline, giving the quarterback a three level stretch. The primary read starts with the dig coming across the middle, working to the backside comeback if the underneath defender sits on the dig, with the play action fake designed to freeze linebackers and open the throwing window against man or zone coverage that bites on run action.
Defensive Reads
Pre snap, check linebacker depth: if they are stacked tight to the line anticipating run, this play has a clean throwing lane for the dig once the fake sells. Identify single high versus two high safety shells before the snap, since single high leaves the deep comeback route with more room against a lone corner in man coverage. Post snap, watch for a linebacker spy or hook zone defender sitting in the middle of the field, as this is the primary threat to jump the dig route if the play fake does not pull him out of position. Beware of a user controlled defender dropping into a deep zone read on the corner route, since a smart user can bait the quarterback into an interception if the corner route is not simply a decoy. This play struggles against zone blitzes where a linebacker drops immediately into the dig lane, so if you see pressure indicators pre snap with extra defenders showing blitz, consider checking down to a quicker option like Quick Slants instead.
Usage Tips
Sell the run fake by holding the play action button through the full mesh point animation so linebackers actually bite and vacate the middle of the field.
Use this on early downs like first or second and medium when defenses are still respecting inside zone and HB Sweep from this same set, since the run fear sets up the dig.
Check the middle of the field pre snap: if you see two high safeties, expect a linebacker or nickel defender to sit in the dig window, so hot route the backside comeback receiver into a deeper break to stay clear of the flat defender.
Against man coverage, trust the dig since the underneath crosser naturally creates separation off the play fake and the corner route occupies the deep defender.
Pair this play with RPO Peek Slant and HB Mid Draw earlier in a series so the defense keys run action, then hit them with PA Dig once linebackers start crashing downhill.
