Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Verticals Dig is a four verticals variant out of Shotgun Y Off Trips that swaps one vertical stem for a dig route to attack the middle of the field. Off the diagram, the outside trips receiver and the backside single receiver run straight verticals up the numbers, the inside trips receiver breaks off his vertical stem into a deep dig across the field, and the tight end runs a short crossing route underneath from the trips side. This is a pass play designed as both a Cover 2 and Cover 3 beater, stressing the deep middle and seams while the dig sits down in the void behind linebackers. Primary read progression starts with the backside vertical against single coverage, then works to the dig sitting down in the middle zone, with the two remaining verticals serving as clear-out or checkdown options if the middle is jumped.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check both safeties, if you see two high safeties rotating to a single high shell after the snap you are likely facing Cover 3 and the dig will be the primary window to defend. Get depth with your Cover 2 or Cover 3 safeties immediately, this play lives on verticals stretching the seams so any hesitation opens a big play. User the middle linebacker or a nickel defender into the dig route's throwing lane, since that route is designed to sit in the soft spot behind the front seven and in front of the safeties. Man coverage with no help over the top is the biggest vulnerability, so if you are in man beat this concept by disguising a safety rotation late to bait a bad throw on the backside vertical. Watch for the tight end's shallow crosser underneath, if the quarterback gets pressured he may check down there, so keep a linebacker with eyes on that route as a spy.
Usage Tips
Check the backside cornerback pre-snap, if he is playing off man with no safety help over the top, take the shot on the backside vertical immediately.
Against Cover 2, look for the dig to settle in the soft spot between the deep safeties and the underneath linebackers before the safeties can close the window.
Against Cover 3, the dig route is your best friend since it sits down right in the seam vacated by the deep third defenders, throw it with anticipation before the middle linebacker can undercut it.
Use hot routes to convert one of the outside verticals into a comeback if you see a corner sitting on top in a soft zone shell.
Pair this play with Four Verticals and Deep Stick from the same set so the defense cannot key on the dig route or the vertical stems, keeping the coverage guessing on shot plays.
