Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 11 playbooks
Breakdown
PA Dagger out of Shotgun Wing Slot Wk sells the play-action fake before attacking the deep middle with a classic dagger combo. The backside X runs a corner route breaking hard to the sideline, the inside receiver runs a vertical seam straight up the numbers, and the tight end from the wing runs an under route crossing underneath from the strong side to the weak side to clear out and settle in the shallow void. This is a play-action pass designed to beat Cover 2 and Cover 3 shells by stretching the field vertically and horizontally at the same time, with the primary read progression going from the deep corner route first, down to the seam sitting behind the linebackers, then checking down to the under route crosser if both are covered.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and spacing since two deep safeties split wide indicate Cover 2 where the seam route becomes the primary weapon against soft zone coverage underneath. A single high safety shaded to one side signals Cover 3, which means the corner route has a better shot at winning over the deep third defender. Watch linebacker depth at the snap since play-action Dagger baits linebackers into stepping up on the run fake, opening the seam window before they can recover their zone drop. Key the flat or curl defender on the strong side since if that defender bites on the under route crosser it opens up easy access on the seam behind him. Beware disguised Cover 4 or Cover 6 shells with a user-controlled deep defender sitting on the seam route, since a lurking safety reading the quarterback's eyes can jump the throw before it develops, and beware quick interior blitzes that beat the play-action fake and force an early throw before route concepts fully develop.
Usage Tips
Use this play on early downs or manageable third downs when defenses expect run action from the play-action fake, since the ball fake keys linebackers and safeties out of position. Before the snap identify if you are facing Cover 2 or Cover 3, since the seam route sits perfectly in the honey hole between the flat defender and the deep safety in both shells. If the defense shows two deep safeties pre-snap, prioritize the seam read since Cover 2 corners often jump the corner route. If you see a single high safety indicating Cover 3, hit the corner route since the deep third defender has to respect the seam threat first. Pair this play with RPO Peek Post or RPO Glance Post from the same set to keep defenses honest against the run fake, then hit them with Dagger once they start selling hard against the peek and glance concepts. Use hot routes to convert the under route into a flat route against man coverage if you need a quick underneath answer versus blitz looks.
