Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Curl Slot Dig aligns out of Shotgun Trips HB Wk with the HB running a swing/wheel release out of the backfield to the boundary. The backside outside receiver runs a vertical clear route while the trips side stacks a deep dig, a corner route from the slot, and an out breaking flat route underneath. This is a route combo designed to attack both man and zone coverage by clearing out underneath defenders with the flat route and letting the dig sit down in the void behind linebackers, with the primary read progression starting at the deep dig, then working to the corner route breaking behind it, and checking down to the HB swing/wheel if the middle of the field is clogged.
Defensive Reads
Presnap check safety depth and leverage, since a two high shell with soft corners invites the dig route to sit in the window between the second and third level defenders. Watch for a robber or lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field, since this is the exact spot the dig route is designed to attack and a disciplined lurk defender can bait the quarterback into a turnover. Key the flat defender's reaction to the HB release, since if the flat defender widens with the running back it opens a passing lane for the dig route to settle in behind him. Against man coverage, look for the corner route to win late against trail technique, since defenders who are square to the line of scrimmage will struggle to redirect after the slot receiver breaks outside. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge can be exposed by the HB wheel, so read the outside linebacker or slot corner assignment on the running back to see if the wheel route is left uncovered.
Usage Tips
Presnap identify whether the defense is showing a two high shell or single high, since the dig route will have a much bigger throwing window against two high safeties who cannot rob the middle of the field.
Use the HB wheel or swing as a hot route conversion if you see a blitz look, since it gives you a fast outlet against man coverage defenders who are late to react to the backfield release.
This play pairs well with Curls or Mtn Slot Curls in your play calling sequence, since those plays sell a similar trips concept early but hit different depths, keeping linebackers from jumping the dig route on tendency.
Best used on second and medium to second and long, since the dig route needs time to develop and a free release from the slot receiver.
Against man coverage, key the corner route breaking behind the dig as your first alert if you see a linebacker or safety trailing the slot receiver with no help over the top.
