Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
PA Post Dig runs off a play-action fake out of Strong I with 21 personnel, holding the linebackers just long enough to open throwing lanes downfield. Off the play fake, the backside receiver runs a deep post to stretch the safety over the top while the inside receiver runs a dig that sits down in the intermediate zone, and the outside receiver on the play side releases on a shallow drag or flat route to occupy underneath defenders. The primary read progression starts with the post to check the safety shell, then works to the dig if the safety squats or the middle of the field is closed, with the underside route as a checkdown against pressure.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check safety depth and alignment since a single high safety cheating toward the boundary is a green light for the post route to win. Watch linebacker depth at the snap, if they bite hard on the play-action fake, the dig route will sit in a wide open throwing window. Post-snap, track the deep safety's break, if he stays flat footed or bites on the run fake, the post is uncontested for an explosive gain. Man coverage with no safety help over the top is the worst matchup for the defense against this concept, since both the post and dig become uncatchable. Cover 2 or Cover 4 shells with disciplined safeties who stay deep are the best answer, since they can rally to the post and force the quarterback into the shorter dig or flat option.
Usage Tips
Sell the run fake by holding the ball fake through the animation instead of immediately dropping back, since Strong I run tendencies make defenses bite harder on this look.
Pre-snap, identify single high versus two high shells because this concept is built to punish single high looks by isolating the post on one deep defender.
If you see two high safeties or a Cover 2 shell, prioritize the dig route since the post will likely be doubled or capped.
Hot route the flat or drag defender into a deeper option if you diagnose zone coverage with soft underneath defenders sitting in passing lanes.
Pair this play with HB Dive or Counter Weak earlier in a series to set up run fear, then call PA Post Dig when the defense starts cheating linebackers toward the line of scrimmage.
