Dynamic Saints Passing Attack: Dig Routes & Flexible WRs

Allegedly, the New Orleans Saints have a dynamic passing attack that has caught the eye of many football enthusiasts. In a tweet by coachkou, he highlighted two key aspects of the Saints’ passing game that stand out. Firstly, he mentioned the abundance of dig inside breaking routes that the team utilizes. This type of route involves the receiver making a sharp cut towards the inside of the field, creating separation from defenders and providing a clear target for the quarterback. The Saints’ ability to execute these routes effectively has been a significant factor in their success through the air.

Another intriguing aspect of the Saints’ passing attack that coachkou pointed out is the use of full slide 7-man protection out of 12/21 personnel. This means that the offensive line, along with additional blockers such as tight ends or running backs, all slide in unison to protect the quarterback from incoming pass rushers. By providing maximum protection for the QB, the Saints can give him more time to survey the field and find open receivers downfield. This level of protection is crucial for any passing game to thrive, and the Saints have clearly mastered this concept.

In addition to these two main points, coachkou also highlighted the ability of the Saints’ wide receivers to change their routes downfield. This flexibility allows the receivers to adjust to the defense’s coverage and find open spaces in the secondary. By having receivers who can read and react to the defense on the fly, the Saints can keep the defense guessing and create big plays in the passing game. This adaptability is a testament to the skill and football IQ of the Saints’ receiving corps.

For those who want to dive deeper into the intricacies of the Saints’ passing attack, coachkou offers a free article on his site with 20 clips showcasing these concepts in action. This article provides a valuable insight into the strategic elements that make the Saints’ passing game so effective and serves as a great resource for football fans looking to learn more about the Xs and Os of the game.

Overall, the New Orleans Saints have built a formidable passing attack that combines precision route running, solid pass protection, and versatile receivers. These elements have come together to create a dynamic aerial assault that keeps opposing defenses on their toes. While the tweet by coachkou may be just a snippet of the bigger picture, it sheds light on some of the key factors that have contributed to the success of the Saints’ passing game. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Saints continue to evolve and innovate in their passing attack, keeping fans and analysts alike engaged and impressed with their offensive prowess.

2 things I love about the Saints passing attack
All the dig inside breaking routes
The full slide 7 man protection out of 12/21
The ability of the WR to change their routes downfield
Free article with 20 clips on my site #nfl #saints #Saints @TheBillsGuys @klintkubiak504 pic.twitter.com/UMnXoA2Lir

— coachkou (@coachkou) September 21, 2024

When it comes to analyzing the New Orleans Saints passing attack, there are a few key elements that stand out. Let’s break down each one in detail:

### What are the dig inside breaking routes?

Dig routes, also known as square-ins, are a common route concept in football where a receiver runs a route towards the middle of the field at a depth of 12-15 yards before breaking inside towards the quarterback. This route is effective against zone coverage because it creates separation between the receiver and the defender. In the case of the Saints passing attack, their use of dig inside breaking routes allows their receivers to find soft spots in the defense and exploit them for big gains.

One source that dives deeper into the concept of dig routes is available on [ESPN’s website](https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/26885665/nfl-101-introduction-dig-route). The article provides a comprehensive breakdown of how dig routes work and why they are such a valuable tool in a team’s passing arsenal.

### How does the full slide 7-man protection out of 12/21 work?

In football, pass protection is crucial to give the quarterback time to find an open receiver and make a throw. The full slide 7-man protection out of 12/21 is a pass protection scheme where the offensive line slides in unison to one side to protect the quarterback from pressure. By using a 7-man protection scheme, the Saints are able to keep their quarterback upright and give him time to go through his progressions.

A detailed analysis of full slide protection schemes can be found in an article on [NFL.com](https://www.nfl.com/news/how-do-nfl-teams-protect-qb-2019). The article breaks down the different types of pass protection schemes used in the NFL and how they are implemented by various teams.

### How do the Saints’ receivers change their routes downfield?

One of the key strengths of the Saints passing attack is the ability of their wide receivers to change their routes downfield based on the coverage they are facing. This route flexibility allows the receivers to adjust their routes on the fly and create separation from defenders. Whether it’s converting a go route into a comeback route or a post route into a corner route, the Saints’ receivers are adept at reading the defense and making the necessary adjustments.

For a deeper look into route adjustments by receivers, check out an article on [Sports Illustrated](https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/08/01/nfl-receivers-route-trees-explained). The article delves into the nuances of route running and how receivers can modify their routes based on the defensive coverage they encounter.

In conclusion, the New Orleans Saints passing attack is a well-oiled machine that incorporates a variety of route concepts and pass protection schemes to keep defenses on their toes. By utilizing dig inside breaking routes, full slide 7-man protection, and route adjustments by their receivers, the Saints are able to move the ball effectively through the air and put points on the board. It’s no wonder that their passing attack is one of the most potent in the NFL.