Playbooks

PA Post Dig

Singleback·Ace·12
Play ActionDigPostPass Play
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This play belongs to no NFL team or scheme playbook, so it may not appear in the in-game builder.

Quick Reference

FormationSingleback
SetAce

In 1 playbook

Fix OffenseOffense

Breakdown

PA Post Dig is a play-action pass out of Singleback Ace 12 personnel that sells the play fake to hold the linebackers before attacking the middle of the field with two high value routes. The concept pairs a post route to clear out the deep safety with a dig route working underneath at intermediate depth, giving the quarterback a vertical stretch read on one side of the field. This is primarily a zone beater that exploits Cover 3 and Cover 2 hole defenders, though the post can also win against single high man coverage if the safety bites on the run fake. The primary progression starts with the post to check for a blown coverage or one on one shot down the field, then works down to the dig as the second read against zone drops.

Defensive Reads

Identify single high safety shells pre-snap since Cover 1 and Cover 3 leave the post route with a favorable one on one matchup down the field. Watch the flow of the linebackers after the snap, if they step up hard on the run fake, the dig route will sit in a wide open throwing lane behind them. Key the deep safety's leverage at the snap, if he stays flat footed reading the fake instead of retreating, take the post shot immediately. Beware of Cover 4 or Cover 6 shells with two deep safeties who can squeeze the post and rob the intermediate throwing window. User controlled defenders playing a lurk technique in the middle of the field can jump the dig route, so double check the underneath spacing before pulling the trigger on that throw.

Usage Tips

Use this play on early downs or manageable third downs when defenses are more willing to sell out on run support, since the play action fake needs linebackers stepping up to be effective.

Check the safety alignment pre-snap, if you see a single high safety cheating toward the box, the post has a strong chance to hit for an explosive gain.

Against two high safety shells, hot route the flanker or slot to a shallow drag or spot route to give yourself a quick answer if the dig window closes.

Pair this call with HB Pump Draw or 26 Duo earlier in a series so the linebackers start biting harder on the play fake, which opens up the dig route sooner.

Watch the play clock and snap count timing since the deep drop needed for the post route makes this play vulnerable to fast interior pressure, so have a checkdown mapped to the running back if you sense a blitz.

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