Playbooks

Dagger

Shotgun·Trips TE Flex·11
DaggerPass PlayCover 2 BeaterCover 3 Beater
Play diagram for Dagger from Shotgun Trips TE Flex in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationShotgun

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Breakdown

Dagger out of Shotgun Trips TE Flex features the classic dig and go combo from the trips side while the backside receiver runs a deep dig across the field, and the flex TE runs a quick drag underneath to clear out shallow zones. The go route on the outside stretches the deep coverage vertically while the dig from the number two receiver settles into the void behind it, creating a natural high low read against zone or a rub against man. This is primarily a zone beater built for Cover 2 and Cover 3 shells, with the deep go occupying the corner or deep third and the dig sitting in the throwing lane behind the linebackers. Primary progression starts with the go route to see if it wins deep, then works down to the dig running underneath, with the shallow drag as the checkdown against pressure.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, check the corner alignment on the trips side, if he is playing deep with outside leverage he is likely sinking into a deep third or half, which opens the window for the dig underneath. Watch the safety depth before the snap, two high safeties tipping Cover 2 or Cover 4 means the dig has to be thrown before the safety can flow over the top of the zone. Post-snap, key the linebacker who has to cover the drag or spy the middle, if he sits too long he opens the throwing lane for the dig, if he sinks early the drag becomes the answer. This play struggles against man coverage with underneath robber help or a defender sitting in a lurk spot in the middle of the field, since both the dig and drag cross into that occupied zone. Watch for a blitz off the edge to the boundary, since the deep go route needs time to develop and a well timed blitz can force a checkdown before the dig ever opens.

Usage Tips

Identify pre-snap whether the defense is showing two high safeties or a single high shell, since Dagger punishes both Cover 2 and Cover 3 if the dig sits in the soft spot behind the linebackers and in front of the safety.

Against Cover 2, throw the dig with anticipation right as it crosses the middle before the safety can rotate over the top.

Against Cover 3, work the progression from the go route down to the dig, since the deep third defender to the trips side has to respect the vertical shot first.

Use the shallow drag from the flex TE as your answer against man coverage or when the pass rush forces an early throw, it is a built in checkdown that also serves as a man beater against tight linebacker coverage.

Pair this play with Levels Sail or Post Rail in the same set to keep defenses guessing between deep in cuts and combination sail concepts, this keeps linebackers and safeties from cheating the dig route.

Other Plays in Trips TE Flex