Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
DBL Ins is a trips-based dropback pass out of Shotgun Y Trips Wk that puts two in-breaking routes on the field side to attack the middle of the field. The backside X runs an out and up while the trips side gets a corner route on the boundary and a wheel route out of the backfield from the HB, giving the quarterback a vertical stretch on one side and a horizontal in-cut combo on the other. This is a man beater first and foremost, since the double ins create natural rub and pick action against man defenders while the HB wheel exploits any linebacker matched up in coverage, and it also holds up against zone thanks to the in-breaking routes settling into soft spots between the underneath and deep defenders. Primary progression starts with the near in route working inside out, then bounces to the second in behind it, and finally checks down to the HB wheel if the linebacker bites on the shallow crossers.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check the depth of the linebackers and whether the defense is showing two high safeties, since a two high shell with linebackers sitting underneath signals zone drops that can clog the shallow in routes. Watch for a nickel or slot defender aligned inside on the trips side, because tight man coverage there is a green light for the double ins concept to create natural picks. Post-snap, key any user-controlled defender lurking in the shallow zone or spying the middle of the field, since a smart lurk defender can jump the near in route and bait a bad throw. If the linebacker covering the HB stays home instead of widening with the wheel route, that is a sign of solid zone discipline and the quarterback should reset to the in routes instead of forcing the wheel. Blitz packages that bring extra rushers off the edge can disrupt the timing of the ins, so identify overload blitz looks pre-snap and be ready to get the ball out quickly to the first in route as a built-in hot route answer.
Usage Tips
Look for man coverage indicators pre-snap like a single high safety with corners lined up tight on the trips receivers, since the double ins concept thrives against man matchups. If you see a linebacker walked out over the HB, immediately key the wheel route because that leverage almost always results in a big play against man coverage. Use hot routes to speed up the near in route into a quicker breaking route if you are facing an aggressive blitz look, giving your quarterback a faster outlet against pressure. This play is best called on second and medium to third and medium situations where the defense expects a shorter passing concept and may sit in man to protect against the sticks. Pair DBL Ins with Fl Dig or Levels Y Out from the same set so you can alternate between in-breaking crossers and out breaking combos, keeping the defense honest and forcing linebackers to guess in coverage.
