Play Of The (other) Day: Dagger-Shallow vs UCLA

Penn State WR Liam Clifford’s breakout Saturday performance was aided by a  pair of chunk receptions featuring a route concept that’s popular on Sundays.

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An NFL-level QB calls for NFL-level concepts.

Aside from exotic formations, shifts, motions, option schemes and more…it’s important to recognize the portion of the Penn State offense that includes well-executed, sound passing concepts that quarterback 15-Drew Allar thrives in.

Just ask wide receiver 2-Liam Clifford — who had his first 100+ yard game in blue and white thanks to a route combination that’s a staple in most professional playbooks. Let’s break down the Dagger-Shallow concept that contributed to 2 of Clifford’s 3 receptions.

CONCEPT ON PAPER:

First, the structural basics.

This is a 3×1, six-man-protection concept. This means the RB has protection responsibilities before he becomes the check down. The reason this concept is so popular at all levels of football is that it provides answers for any/every coverage. Along those same lines, there are no stagnant routes: every receiver stays on the move during the entirety of the play.

Now, the meat and potatoes.

To the trips side, the #1 receiver (closest to the sidelines) runs the “Dig route” (deep in), #2 runs the “seam read” route, and the #3 runs the “Thru” route. The single receiver  on the opposite side of the formation runs a “gather shallow” — this is meant to prevent the linebackers from gaining too much depth and also serves as the 3rd read in the progression.

Allar opts to use a “shuffle 1-hitch” drop (likely because he knows he’s throwing the Seam-Read). This means he takes a slow shuffle and hitches up once into the throw.

For both reps – the play you’ve seen twice already, and the play you’ll click below — PSU catches UCLA in a form of Cover-2.

Let’s take the second example as reference: this specific variation is “Tampa 2”, meaning the Mike linebacker is running the deep middle of the field in addition to the 2 safeties being responsible for ½ of the field. At the snap, Allar sees the Mike turn his back and run — this is the key. He knows due to that defender’s back being to him, he is only covering the width of his shoulders, therefore, he has plenty of space to fit the seam in.

For Clifford, technically the “Seam Read” would have him bend this route further inside vs middle field open zone. Because Tampa-2 is a pseudo middle-field-closed structure (due to the Mike), Clifford shows outstanding football IQ by keeping this route on the hash. This is NFL level stuff from all parties involved.