Playbooks
Mtn X-Go Dig is a trips-based passing concept out of Singleback Y Trips Close that attacks the middle and vertical seams of the defense. The X receiver runs a go route to clear out the deep boundary corner while a dig route sits underneath, working from the trips side back across the field to settle in the void left by the vertical stress. This is primarily a man beater since the go route forces the corner to stay on top and open space for the dig, though it can also pick apart zone coverage if the underneath defenders bite on the play fake or drift with the trips concept, and the primary read progression starts with the go route to see if the corner gets beat over the top before working down to the dig sitting in the intermediate middle void.
Pre-snap, identify if the defense is showing two deep safeties or a single high look, since Cover 2 and Cover 4 shells take away the go route and force you to live with the dig. Watch the corner over the X receiver, if he presses at the line without safety help he is vulnerable to the go route beating him deep. Post-snap, track any user-controlled defender dropping into the middle of the field, a rover or lurk defender sitting in the dig's window can jump the route and create a turnover. Man coverage with no safety help over the top gets exposed hardest, while zone blitzes that bring extra rushers but keep a spy in the intermediate area can disrupt the dig's timing. If the linebackers show heavy blitz indicators pre-snap, expect the dig to be uncovered quickly since man coverage defenders will be occupied with their assignments elsewhere.
Check the corner's alignment on the X receiver before the snap, if he is playing off man or has no safety help over the top you can throw the go route immediately for a big play.
Look for single high shells like Cover 1 or Cover 3, the dig route will find grass in the seam between the flat defender and the deep middle defender.
Use hot routes to convert the dig into a shorter option like a spot or drag if you see a linebacker sitting directly in the dig's landing zone.
This play works best on second and long or third and medium since the dig route needs time to develop and the go route requires patience in the pocket.
Pair this with WR Screen or HB Dive earlier in a series to soften the linebackers and safeties, then come back with Mtn X-Go Dig once the defense starts creeping up to stop the run.