Lecture on the Dagger Concept in Football

Introduction to the Dagger Concept

• Dagger Concept: A three-man tag play involving:
  • Deep dig (from the first player)
  • Clear out (from the second player)
  • Flat guy (third element; can be a receiver, tight end, or running back from the other side during play action)
• Three-Man Flank Concept: Requires three players to complete.
• Timing: Can be a first look side or a scan side depending on coverage.
• Coverage Structure: Can cause variations like hook curl stretch or outside flood stretch in one high or two high coverages.
• Statistics: 7.2 yards per play on an 80-game cut-up from the Shanahan tree (64 reps), efficiency at 182.

Route Distribution

• Backside Tag: Received the ball 6 times.
• Through Route: Received the ball 6 times.
• Dig Route: Received the ball 20 times.
• Flat Element: Received the ball 17 times (15 times were sack or scrambles)

How to Teach and Install the Dagger Concept

• Three-Man Flank Concept:
  • Deep dig for number one (approx. 18 yards)
  • Through route from number two
• Through Route:
  • One high or two high read from the slot receiver
  • Two high: Inside post breaking at 12 yards
  • One high: Deep cross/high cross
• Flat Route vs. Bait Route:
  • Bait route at 5 yards on the hash is preferable

Coverage Analysis

• Grading System: 1 through 5 based on coverage suitability
  • 1: Premier look (e.g., double post in quarters)
  • 5: Bad position to run the play
• Quarterback Read:
  • One high, two high split
  • One high: Boundary tag to the cross
  • Two high: Inside post to clear out and dig to flat

Film Analysis

• Example Plays:
  • Man coverage: Boundary side tag (stout) with a cross over top
  • Single High Defenses: Avoid if no backside route
  • Cover Two: Prefer bait routes over flat routes
  • Cover Three: Dig side can be covered easily
  • Fire Zone: Tricky based on three-receiver hook defender

Advanced Concepts and Variations

• Double Chip Protection: Preferred method, especially in second and long or third downs
• Trip Formations: Options include low cross from number three or rail route
• High Corner Route: Useful in certain setups to protect from the backside corner
• Stack Formations on the Run: Example from the Dolphins, making stack on the run

Summary and Final Thoughts

• Importance of Coverage: Understanding the best coverages to run the dagger concept
• Route Depth and Timing: Crucial for quarterback reads and successful execution
• Protection Schemes: Variety in how to protect the quarterback and maintain route integrity
• Film Review: Helpful in understanding play variations and effectiveness against different defenses

Q&A and Contact Information

• Encouraged to reach out with questions and feedback.

Thank you for attending this lecture on the dagger concept in football. Look forward to more content in the future!