also: dagger concept
A vertical route clears space for a dig breaking into the middle behind it.
An inside receiver runs vertically up the seam while another receiver runs a dig behind him. The vertical route moves the deep coverage and opens a window for the dig.
The quarterback gives the vertical time to move the defender, then works to the dig. Because the dig breaks later, Dagger needs more protection than a quick-game concept.
It is commonly used against single-high coverage. Teams can also adjust it against two-high coverage.
dagger conceptsmash, floodThe vertical receiver may not be expected to get the ball, but he still has to run hard enough to move the safety. Tell young receivers that directly. If the vertical slows down, the dig loses the space it needs.