Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Verts Y Dig runs out of Singleback Wing 12 personnel with a play-action fake to sell the run first. Off the fake, the backside outside receiver and the wing TE both push vertical seams down the field while the Y tight end works from the strong side across the field on a deep dig, sitting down in the middle of the field behind the linebackers. The remaining receiver runs a deep out to the sideline off the same vertical stem, giving you a true four man deep route distribution that stresses both the intermediate and deep zones, making this a Cover 2 and Cover 3 beater built to attack safeties who bite on the run fake.
Defensive Reads
Watch for safeties staying deep and not biting on the run fake, this is the first sign PA Verts Y Dig will struggle since the vertical shots get taken away. Identify Cover 3 rotation post snap, if the deep middle defender flows late the Y dig has a clean throwing lane before the hole closes. Look for a spy or hook zone linebacker sitting in the same area the Y dig is working to, a user controlled lurk defender in that window can undercut the route. Check corner alignment pre snap, tight man press corners on the outside verts signal man coverage where the dig becomes the primary answer against a linebacker in coverage. Beware disguised zone blitzes that bring extra rushers off the edge, since the play fake and deeper developing routes give the quarterback less time to escape pressure.
Usage Tips
Sell the play fake with a running back that has established credibility in your game plan so linebackers and safeties step up before the routes develop.
Key the single high or two high safety shell before the snap, against two high the Y dig has a natural window to settle in the middle read the corners for the vertical shots.
Use the dig as your first read on any Cover 2 look since it sits down right in the hole vacated by the safety rotating over the top.
Pair this call with HB Dive or 26 Duo earlier in a series so the play fake actually holds linebackers, then come back to PA Verts Y Dig once the defense starts crashing downhill.
Best called on second or third and medium when the defense is more likely to respect run action and play a two high or single high shell instead of selling out on pass.
