Playbooks

PA Post Dig

Split Backs·Pro·21

Quick Reference

FormationSplit Backs
SetPro

In 1 playbook

Two Back OffenseOffense

Breakdown

PA Post Dig is a play-action shot play out of the Pro Split Backs 21 personnel that sells the play-fake to hold the linebackers before attacking the intermediate to deep middle of the field with a post and dig combo. The post occupies the deep safety while the dig sits underneath zone defenders in the void created by the run fake, giving you a true high-low read on the field side. This is primarily a man beater against single high looks because the post can win over the top on Cover 1 or Cover 3, but it also has zone beating traits since the dig settles into soft spots against Cover 4 and Cover 2 shells. The primary read progression starts with the post to look for a one on one shot down the field, then works down to the dig if the safety stays deep, with the underneath check down as the final bailout option.

Defensive Reads

Watch for a single high safety pre-snap, this tells you Cover 1 or Cover 3 is likely and the post has a strong chance to win over the top if the corner does not get a deep enough jam. Identify two deep safeties before the snap, this signals Cover 2 or Cover 4 and means you should prioritize the dig route sitting between the linebacker level and the safety zone drop. Key the linebacker depth after the snap, if they bite hard on the play-action fake the underneath window for the dig opens up immediately for an easy completion. Look for a user controlled lurk defender sitting in the middle of the field, this is the biggest threat to the dig route and can bait you into a costly interception if you force the throw. Recognize man coverage by watching corner alignment and safety rotation, if the corner is playing tight outside shade with no help over the top the post has a favorable one on one matchup against man beaters.

Usage Tips

Run this on early downs like first or second and short to medium yardage so the play-action fake actually influences the linebackers and the defense respects the run threat from Split Backs 21 personnel.

Check the safety alignment before the snap, if you see a single high safety cheating toward the middle of the field this is your green light to take the shot on the post immediately off the play-action.

If the defense shows two high safeties pre-snap, be ready to work the dig route since the post will have less room to operate against a two deep shell.

Use your hot route menu to adjust the check down back into a flat route if you anticipate a blitz look, this gives you a quick answer against pressure without abandoning the shot play concept.

Pair this play with HB Off Tackle or Power O earlier in a series to get defenders keying run fits, then dial up PA Post Dig once linebackers start creeping up on run downs.

Sequence this with Flanker Hook or Curl Flat on the next snap so opposing defenders stay honest against both the deep shot and the quick game, keeping user defenders guessing.

Other Plays in Pro