Route Combos You Need to Know: Part III

Continuing on with Part III of the Route Combos You Need to Know Series.  In this article we will talk about a pair of 3rd and long staples that have been known to keep offenses on the field and frustrate defenses.  Flood and Dagger have been helpful to offenses that are caught in a bind and need to run the game of conflict on defenders in a time of need.  So without delay,  let’s talk about these two concepts that you need to know so you don’t get caught napping in a situation where you should be at an advantage

| FLOOD |

Who Runs It

Flood is a concept that can be run out of a pro set but is most commonly and effectively run by teams using a spread offense attack.  The reason for that is because it works best because when you have speed on the field to pressure defenders to leave their required areas on the field.

What is It

Flood is a concept that looks to overload a zone cover on the outside part of the field and put a defender in a high low conflict by outnumbering the zone areas with multiple defenders.  It involves a speedy receiver to clear out the area with a go route.  Another speedy receiver is best at the #2 spot to grab the attention of the flat defender and open things but behind him for the deep out by the #3 receiver.  Speed is not required by the #3 receiver as a big target like a tight end could work as it involves the quarterback possible having to fit the ball into a tight area.

Where Do They Run It

Flood can be run in the red area by breaking the outside receiver in on a dig / back line route but really is most effective out in the field in between the 20 yard lines.  The biggest reason for that being is that you need space to run that clear out route by the outside receiver.  Space is the offenses friend when trying to operate the flood concept vs a defense.

When Do They Run It

As I said in the outset,  the Flood concept is great on 3rd down and medium / long situations.  Depending how many yards the offense needs (8-12),  they can have the #3 receiver break at the required depth.  If the deep out is covered,  coming back down to the flat route in hopes of some yards after the catch is always an option.  That’s another reason why speed at #2 is helpful.

Why Do They Run It

This concept is run by the offense because it’s a classic conflict high / low situation.  The deep zone defender is going to be occupied with the go route.  The flat defender is now going to be under attack at different levels by the quick out and the deep out.  That defender is going to have to make a choice and do so quickly,  that is if he even notices the deep out breaking to his potential area.

How to Spot It

There are a couple of ways that you may spot a potential Flood concept. First,  having a TE at the #3 spot could be an indicator.  Yes,  I know that this could also be an indicator for the levels concept but being aware of either is not a problem.  Through film study you may learn which one of the concepts they favor.  Another indicator may be the back aligned to the trips side.  This could be an indication that Flood is coming and it could be paired with the quarterback rolling out to the trips side.

How to Defend

One of the best ways to defend Flood from a schematic standpoint is to roll coverage to the trips side.  So if you are playing with two high safeties (a safety on both hashes) Then rolling one of the safeties (cloud coverage) over the top of the trips to allow the corner to sit hard in the flat helps.  You can also roll the safety down into the curl to flat area but I find that to be less effective.  Sitting the corner who is the widest defender in the flat allows for a better view of the two routes developing and gives him an opportunity to break on either.  From a technique standpoint,  awareness is key.  The flat defender must eye ball the #3 receiver and feel the route of #2.  Doing this can allow the defender to play midpoint against the two routes and potentially break either way based on what they see from the quarterback.

| DAGGER |

Who Runs It

The dagger concept can be run by almost any of the modern style offenses.  The combo can be run out a pro set, spread set even a wing T set where you bring the wing over to the split receiver’s side.

What is It

Dagger is one of your basic clear out concepts.  The inside receiver is going to blaze a trail down the seam to carry with him as many defenders as he can with him.  If he’s not taking multiple defenders with him then he’s at least taking a key defender with him.   The outside receiver is also threatening deep to push the perimeter coverage off of him.  After creating space,  he breaks inside on a deep dig at a minimum of 12 yards but usually 15 yards or at the first down marker’s depth.

Where do They Run It

This concept only works in the 20 to 20 yard areas of the field.  The whole concept is based on clear outs and space.  In a condensed area like the red zone this concept would be worthless.

When Do They Run It

The dagger concept is one of the most simple and effective route combos that can be run in a long yardage situation.  You will most often see this run in 3rd and long situations.  If the offense has a speedy threat that must be respected then it is that more effective.  The speed receiver should carry a defender or two with him.  Should the offense fail to respect him then the QB can lay it up for the big one.  In most cases the defense will run with that threat allowing the sure handed receiver get behind the underneath coverage for the headset slinging, curse word inducing first down catch.

Why Do They Run It

See what I wrote above

How to Spot It

Best way to spot this concept is when the offense pairs their speed receiver with their possession receiver or best hands receiver to one side of the formation.  The speed receiver being on the ball in a 2 x 2 or slot formation is another give away.  That is an indication that they want to get that #2 receiver deep into the secondary in a hurry.

How to Defend

Schematically speaking,  the best way to defend  this possible route combo is by playing robber coverage.  The hole dropper should find himself in the area of the deep in route if he’s playing correctly.  Other than that,  playing a coverage like Cover 2 that requires reroutes could delay the development of the route while your pass rush closes down the pocket.  If you believe in your blitz packages then bringing pressure may also work because it doesn’t allow the quarterback to wait for the deep in to develop.  Technique-wise,  awareness and communication is key.  Underneath defenders must know the down and distance.  If it’s 3rd and long,  expand your drops.  Getting depth will make completing the throw difficult.  For the cornerbacks,  communicating that the potential in route is coming and then yelling out that the in route is coming once the play unfolds helps the hook and hole droppers get in position for the throw.

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alleyesdbcamp

Owner at All Eyes DB Camp

Chad Wilson is the founder of All Eyes DB Camp and a former standout defensive back for the Miami Hurricanes. After an elite collegiate career, Wilson spent a season with the Seattle Seahawks before transitioning into coaching. A 3-time Florida state champion defensive coordinator, he has spent over 20 years developing the "All Eyes" blueprint that has produced NFL All-Pros and stars like Xavien Howard, Patrick Surtain II, Tyson Campbell, Minkah Fitzpatrick and more. His coaching system is proven at the highest levels—his own sons, Quincy and Marco Wilson, both excelled as starters in the SEC before being drafted into the NFL.

Chad is the author of "101 DB Tips"—The Ultimate DB Reference Guide. You can find more information on the manual and how to order your copy in the sidebar and footer of this page.

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