PA Dagger is one of the most efficient concepts that I study every year. Most teams are able to average high yards per attempt numbers with it.
Dagger is defined as a three man combination. An outside Dig route, usually of the deeper 16-20 yard variety. A Thru/Clear that is designed to cross the face of the nearest safety. The third element is some sort of hook control, usually the running back after the play fake.
The play is designed to hi-low the hook window. This window is found roughly between the hash and the numbers.
The concept is taught as 7 & a hitch for the quarterback. With the long developing nature of the play, the protection plan is critical.
The Colts showcased a few great reps of PA Dagger in 2025. The first one we will look at uses a Shallow from the Z receiver as the low hook control. A Pylon as the vertical clear out. The Pylon tag is often used for defenses that ask their cornerbacks to match downfield routes from a single high structure.
In this example, the Dig opens up against cover 4. The Mike drives down on the Shallow, opening up the Dig.
A classic 7-man max protection variation, dressed up a bit. Fast motion to get to the Wing Slot-Stack look.
Hi-low on the hook window with a vertical clear out. Jones hits the Dig.
2025 Sail and Inside Dig Bundle
The rest of the article diagrams a variation that flushes out the flat player from helping on the conflict, as well as a 6-clip cutup:
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